Open innovation

The justification for granting more control over the commons is often that property rights are the best way to foster innovation. That control is often granted through copyright, patents, trade secrets and trademarks.

However, there is a contrary view that openness is the best way to foster innovation. The Union for the Public Domain believes that the follow-on inventions and collateral social benefits that come from open information are often more valuable to society than granting more private control over information.

This comes down to an empirical question which requires both objective study and individuals and organizations willing to share valuable information. On this page we will track advances in the state of our knowledge about the value of open systems and initiatives promoting these systems. Please e-mail us if you have suggested links.

Overviews