Collaboration
This page describes the infrastructure to support large-scale p2p collaboration.
Theory
OVN is a model of commons-based peer production where valuables are co-produced by agents, using resources under various property regimes.
OVNs like Sensorica use internet-based tool to extend collaboration beyond physical barriers. This allows agents to collaborate synchronously and asynchronously, sharing the same physical space or remotely.
Important features
Transparency
Related to free access to information. It is crucial for value networks to thrive - see Economic model. The collaboration infrastructure must allow any individual to get at least a general idea about an open venture and its important activities. The level of transparency in an important parameter that must be adjusted in context.
The role of transparency is to
- show activity, which is an indication of the viability of the network
- signal problems in order to attract solutions and resources into the network
- build trust within the environment
- ...
Depending on the situation, too much transparency can be detrimental to the venture. For example, if the venture is engaging in commerce (distributing / selling a product) within a highly competitive environment, in the presence of powerful traditional economic entities (ex. large corporation), too much transparency reduces the advantage that the network might have in terms of surprise and time-to-market. Large corporations can copy a new product developed by the venture and use their market penetration and market domination to take away important rewards that, morally speaking, would go to the creators of this new product. This form of parasitism can be avoided by carefully crafting commercial licenses, or by maintaining an informational asymmetry by reducing the level of transparency. Sensorica has experimented with open and non-transparent processes, see more on the Venture page.
Openness
See more on the Openness page. Related to access to processes, to participation. Openness is crucial for open ventures to thrive, because it insures a continuous influx of resources. The collaboration infrastructure must allow anyone to contribute to the ventures without too much bureaucracy involved - see permissionless. The level of access in an important parameter that must be adjusted in context.
There are different types of access
- to communication - allows influx of new ideas, opinions, visions...
- to processes of production i.e. participation in development
- ...
If access is too easy, this might open the open venture to network attacks, might invite vandalism, might increase the level of noise. Also, new agents need to absorb the culture of the OVN in order to reduce friction, therefore enough time for accommodation must be allocated. See more on the Capacity and Outreach pages.
Participation in an open venture MUST be conditioned by the adherence of the new agent to the Governance of the venture.
The problem of identification
Some people would like to participate without revealing their identity. The issue of freedom, which comes with anonymity and security, which is associated with the cost of revealing one's identity is a real one. It is important to note that reputation very important within OVNs. It acts as a moderator of behavior and the reputation system is an important component of the infrastructure. Reputation affects one's ability to extract benefits from an open venture.
Resources
General
- tools for communication and coordination
- data and information management, database
- task and project management tools
Manufacturing
- supply management tools
- recipes
- fablab network
Praxis
Sensorica's collaboration infrastructure
Communication and coordination
See Sensorica's communication infrastructure.