The potential of collective innovation and open source to reshape our world needs to be demonstrated

The potential of open source software, open source principles and collective innovation is significant. They could change the world. They should, at the very least, change information intensive industries. These assertions are largely an intellectual argument. The thoughts of an individual. The compelling value of open source and collective innovation as a solution needs to be demonstrated.

Linux is a good example that shows that it can be done. However, it is a tool, not a solution. Linux provides an alternative to Microsoft Windows. It does not, in and of itself, present new ways to organise or fundamentally reshape our lives. It does demonstrate the power of collective innovation in a large engineering undertaking. It proves that people will come together without a profit motive to innovate for the benefit of a community. In a world largely driven by information, there is a real opportunity to apply open source software and approaches to organise in a different way. The reason we do many things the way we do is to get scale to distribute information. The internet provides a costless way to distribute information and we should revisit many of our fundamental assumptions of why we do things a certain way. One of my previous articles questions the underlying reasons that we have a patent system. There are many other questions.

The hackers in our community can establish an online network within 90 days, potentially assemble an audience within months and use that collective innovation toward a specific purpose. The opportunity is real, but it not one that the society as a whole will appreciate until a number of compelling examples are provided. It is too easy for the status quo to dismiss or discredit newcomers.

We need a demonstration of the potential to apply open source to effect fundamental change in a political, industrial or social network. The potential can only be meaningful if every individual is capable of implementing a solution. If significant financial or time resources are required, then the solution will only be available to larger organisations that can co-ordinate. An individual needs to be able to implement the solution within a short time period. They also need to acquire an audience. Internet marketing has the potential to deliver an audience or volunteer community without significant marketing expense. Technology is no longer a source of competitive advantage. Technology is a commodity available to every individual with a linux desktop. The key is finding a compelling solution to a clear problem that you can inspire the community participate in. There are many reasons that people may participate. You will need to strike a chord.

I have been working on an online network. I am keen to share some of the knowledge that I have acquired. All beneficiaries of open communities need to give something back. My primary contribution is to share my knowledge of applying Open source, rather than contributing code to an Open source project. This knowledge is published on my web site and will be developed over time. I encourage you to read, to empower yourself with knowledge and explore your unique opportunity to make a contribution to the world. You may establish or participate in an online network. You may harness the collective power of the community and solve a problem which takes the world one more step forward. I hope that I can make a small contribution to the online social, political and industrial networks of the future. Perhaps, a few social or industrial entrepreneurs may drop by and have read of my articles. Maybe, I will meet a few on Skype.