Profile

Dr Williamson is a leading thinker [on the interaction of social and technology issues] and a widely sought after public commentator. I have found his advice to be candid, thoughtful and well founded. His integrity and level of output are beyond question.

Hon David Cunliffe MP, (formerly) Minster for Communications and Information Technology, New Zealand Government.

Andy Williamson has always been a unique combination of insight, vision and passion for the internet. His work was impressive and invaluable [and] we knew that he would facilitate knowledge without borders.

Dr Hanna Frederick, SmartManukau, Manukau City Council, New Zealand.

The paper which you have written, I believe, may be a landmark piece in our endeavor to adequately describe and attribute credit to those involved in developing instructional materials. I believe that [it] will stand as the first significant publication in this area that will serve as a standard upon which the realities of intellectual property in education will be defined.

William H. Riffee, Ph.D. Associate Provost and Dean University of Florida

An internationally recognised expert in digital engagement and online democracy, Andy Williamson is an experienced consultant and researcher focussing on digital media, social research and policy across government and civil society. He holds a PhD from Monash University where his research developed a model to support the emergence of eDemocracy.

Andy has a strong inter-sectoral and inter-disciplinary focus and an ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders. His work influences policy relating to ICT, eGovernment and eDemocracy in a number of countries. It includes projects on citizen participation in democracy and government, digital content strategies, broadband regulation and service, community technology, ICT security and confidence, access to ICT for minorities, indigenous and disadvantaged communities and ICT for development.

Andy Williamson’s work has provided an excellent framework for discussion at Cape Gateway, to help us understand information flows and where our different constituent communities are in terms of ICT maturity.

Steve Vosloo, Centre for e-Innovation, Provincial Government of the Western Cape, South Africa.

His work co-founding the Aotearoa Ethnic Network, and electronic open-access AEN Journal was acknowledged in an award recognising its outstanding contribution to positive race relations in New Zealand:

Andy Williamson is making an enormous contribution and serves as an inspiration to others who want to do something to ensure that Aotearoa New Zealand lives up to its promise as a place where different peoples can live together in mutual respect and appreciation.

Joris de Bres, Race Relations Commissioner/Kaihautū Whakawhanaunga a Iwi, Human Rights Commission, New Zealand.

His passion is grounded in extensive leadership and management expeience in the private, public and community sector and in technology innovation. Andy has held numerous senior management and board positions. His career is built on a track record in technology innovation, research, evaluation, consultancy and management across information technology, telecommunications, education, government, social policy and economic development. Andy is a strategic thinker and effective communicator.

Andy is an information professional with strong lateral thinking and people skills. His ability to probe complex issues and facilitate the thinking of a group is second to none.

Dean Prebble, Director, New Zealand Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Formerly Deputy Chair of the Digital Strategy Advisory Group, Andy has contributed to the New Zealand Government's online participation community of practice and the Australian Federal Government's Gov2.0 Taskforce. Andy has given evidence and provided advice to the UK Parliament, National Assembly for Wales, German Bundestag, Chilean National Congress. He works frequently with a number of government departments and agencies in the UK, Europe and Australasia. He is a well published author, recently co-editing a book on grounded community-based research, and a sought after commentator on digital democracy and participatory government.

Above all, Andy recognises the value of people and is able to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders at all levels.

Your insight on winning government proposals has been such a great resource too our company. Thank You Dr. Williamson.

Sam Sparacino, Business Development Manager, Global Market Consultants, Inc.
Clearwater, Florida