towards comparative research on openness dec. 12, 2013

Greater Coherence Through an Openness

Theory of Change?3rd Global Congress on IP and the

Public Interest, Cape TownDec. 12, 2013

Matthew Smith, IDRC

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Using the word ‘open’ brings challenges.

Challenge 1

Many definitions/uses of ‘open’

= poor discussions/learning

• ’

Challenge 2

Openness enacted and researched in silos

= re-invent the

wheel

= little cross-

learning

Challenge 3

Openness is understood by many as a good in and of itself.= lack of critical inquiry

General Objective

• Improve understanding of how, for whom, and in what circumstances does openness brings benefits and costs?

Specific Objectives

• Gain clarity as to what openness is and how ‘openness’ makes a difference

• Find a common denominator for comparative research

• Greater coherence across open movement

4

clarifications

Clarification 1

Functional openness

•Openness isn’t the goal•More openness ≠ better•Openness for a purpose

Open processes are always structured:

they include and exclude,

they close off possibilities.

Clarification 2

Clarification 3

Openness in theory ≠ Openness in practice

A critical perspective is required.

NOT:

Complete theory of open / openness

IS:

Simplified framework for comparison across open activities

Clarification 4

Methodology

• Inductive

• Open science/data/education research frameworks

• Other open literature• Looked for claims as to how

Openness adds value or cost

Fundamental questions

What is it about open that makes a difference?

What does openness enable that makes a difference?

2 Dimensions of Openness

• Openness of content

• Openness to people

Digitally Enabled

Open Content

• Free as in gratis (access)

• Free as in freedom

– open license

– 4 r’s: Reuse, Revise, Remix, Redistribute

Openness to People

~ more people = more open

Focus of ToC Model

What causal social processesdoes openness enable?

Focus of ToC Model

How do people do things (e.g., organize, collaborate, coordinate) around open content and/or

technology that

brings change?

Content

Time/cost investmentCost of hostingQuality content Democratization of knowledgeInstitutional Change

Causal Process Outcome

Creating &/or making content free &/or open(incl. redistribution)

Content

Attention/timeEnhanced capabilitiesIncreased AccessReduced duplicationReduced Costs

Causal Process Outcome

Use “as-is”(reuse)

Content

Change reputation (+/-)Build trustChange values

Causal Process Outcome

Interpretation by others of open initiatives

Content

Improvement of contentImprovement of processes

Causal Process Outcome

Transparency& feedback / accountability(reuse)

Content

Attention/timeImproved content (more relevant)Novel content

Causal Process Outcome

Adaptation(Revise/Remix)

Content

Improvement of content Novel content‘Communities’

Causal Process Outcome

Collaborative production(Revise/Remix)

(more) People

InclusionBuy-inLegitimacy

Causal Process Outcome

Participationin a decision making process

Participatory budgeting, new methods of participation in development initiatives

(more) People

Access to diverse mindsNew data sourcesNew/better solutions

Causal Process Outcome

Collective actionto achieve a goal

Digital activism, crowd-sourcing, sharing economy, collective intelligence, open competitions

Cross-cutting Research Questions

How, in what circumstances, and for whom does the as-is use add value, and what are the costs?

How, in what circumstances, and for whom does the adaptation add value, and what are the costs?

Benefits of Approach

• Clarifies differences between open activities

• Basis for deepening knowledge across disciplines

• Highly practical knowledge

• Connects openness to existing literature