Final answer:
Crowdsourcing is the term for when firms request consumer input online, using contributions from an online community to obtain services, ideas, or content.
Step-by-step explanation:
When consumer input is requested by firms online, it is commonly referred to as crowdsourcing. This digital engagement method leverages the power of the web to solicit contributions for services, ideas, or content from a widespread online community rather than relying solely on traditional employees or suppliers. Companies such as Kickstarter have leveraged crowdsourcing to raise funds by reaching out to a large audience quickly, bypassing the conventional financing routes. A renowned example of this is Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia maintained collaboratively by volunteers globally.