Open space

Also called an open innovation space, it is usually a shared physical environment geared with tools, materials and equipment that allows individuals to learn, share ideas and projects, brainstorm and collaborate on projects. Examples are: makerspace, fablab, hackerspace, etc.

Governance

The emphasis is put on transferring decision making to the users of the space. These spaces are called open because access to them has a very low barrier, usually open to the public. The norms and rules are designed to stimulate sharing of ideas and material resources among participants.

Institutional open spaces

As opposed to grass roots open spaces, which are initiated and maintained by individuals.

In recent years we have seen an increased adoption of the fablab and makerspace concept by colleges & universities and libraries. These are institutionally operated open spaces. The main purpose of such spaces is to provide a space for less structured extra curricula activities for students and to create opportunities (events) for learning and appropriating new technologies.

Institutional open spaces may be less open than grass roots open spaces.