Value stream
At the basic level, the value streams are representations of flows of valuables within an OVN. These flows are dependent on the nature of the value system underlying the OVN.
At a higher level, the value stream describes how things acquire value (i.e. become valuable) within a production system, from a simple form to a higher form. For example, how a bunch of parts are put together into a more complex artifact that has a utility, through design and prototyping. The value stream can end with a point of consumption or use, which triggers a value experience for the consumer or user, through the utility of the artifact, and at the same time it also triggers a value experience for the producers, in a form or of reward, which can be material or immaterial (reputation), tangible (money) or intangible (recognition). This point can be reached through the market for a product or service, through the network itself (things that we use and share), or through social relations (things that create well-being).
At another level, it also describes value experiences that are generated throughout a production process, as various form of benefits, be it tangible (prizes, rewards) and intangible (learning, sense of belonging, sense of purpose, sense of accomplishment) are generated for contributors.
The NRP-CAS uses different mechanisms to capture and evaluate contributions to value streams. This is done in an NRP process as
- work contributions - use of time and skills
- use - of space, equipment, etc.
- consume - materials like glue, office supplies, etc.
- cite - use of designs, protocols and methods, etc.
The benefits distribution algorithm uses the value stream in order to redistribute benefits to points of origin of the entire production process.
Valuables flow through and within the OVN by different processes:
- involving the larger ecosystem
- donations - flows in, can be grants, simple donations, etc.
- exchanges - can flow in our out, purchases or sales
- affiliations - new relations of collaboration or co-creation, where resources are shared
- within the OVN
- contributions - come from network affiliates and result in equity or other forms of benefits.