Enterprise Nation

A neighbourhood watch for the digital age has been proposed by a University in the US. The plan utilises the power of social networking, the BBC reports.

Two lecturers have suggested creating a network of Community Response Grids (CRG) in conjunction with the emergency services.

Citizens could write or send in photos and videos on the site of emergencies, natural disasters and terror attacks.

A pilot could start later this year at the University of Maryland, driven by 40,000 students and staff, and is inspired by the great success of social networking sites, such as MySpace, Craig's List and Amber Alert.

Homeworking

A similar plan in the UK could bring new life to the neighbourhood watch system, and engage with its 8 million strong homeworking population already enlivening neighbourhoods communities.

Enterprise Nation, the homeworking website, plans to launch community features in March.

• Digital neighbourhood watch plan [via BBC News]