Collaboration
This page describes the infrastructure of collaboration to support large-scale p2p collaboration.
Theory
"Open Value network" is a model of commons-based peer production. Value, in the form of new knowledge and know how, products and services, etc. is produced collaboratively by agents, using privately owned resources or shared resources.
Value networks 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
Openness in the sense of transparency is crucial for value networks to thrive. The collaboration infrastructure (see different modules below) must allow non-affiliates to the value network to get at least a general idea about projects and 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 value network. For example, within a highly competitive environment, in the presence of powerful economic entities (large corporation for example) too much transparency reduces the advantage the network might have in terms of surprise and time-to-market. Large corporations can copy a new product developed by the value network 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.
Access
Openness in the sense of access to processes of value creation is crucial for value networks to thrive, because it insures a continuous influx of resources (tangible and intalgible) into the value network. The collaboration infrastructure (see different modules below) must allow non-affiliates to add value to projects without too much bureaucracy involved. 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 value creation, i.e. participation in projects
- ...
If access is too easy, this might cause problems related to vandalism, and noise. Also, new agents need to absorb the culture of the value network, in order to reduce friction.
Participation in value creation MUST be conditioned by the adherence of the new agent to the value accounting system, and to the normative system in place.
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 value networks. It acts as a moderator of behavior and it is hardly linked to the value system, i.e. to one's ability to extract value from the network. See more on the Reputation system.
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.