Search Results

Conclusion

Brett M. Frischmann, Michael J. Madison, and Katherine J. Strandburg (eds)

in Governing Knowledge Commons

This chapter summarizes the research framework for the study of knowledge commons and the results of applying that framework in a diverse array of institutional settings. As a whole, the book is an ... More

This chapter summarizes the research framework for the study of knowledge commons and the results of applying that framework in a diverse array of institutional settings. As a whole, the book is an early step toward a systematic, framework-driven study of knowledge commons governance. The chapter notes that it is still too early to derive principles for the design of successful knowledge commons from the dozen cases presented here or to suggest general lessons about commons governance. More study is needed. These cases illustrate the potential of the structured case study approach. They also suggest refinements and improvements to the research framework. Despite the diversity of the cases, the chapter identifies several key themes common to many of them. It is hoped that further studies using the research framework will lead to more specific hypotheses and, eventually, to useful principles.Less

Governance of Online Creation Communities for the Building of Digital Commons:: Viewed through the Framework of Institutional Analysis and Development

Mayo Fuster Morell

in Governing Knowledge Commons

This chapter addresses the governance of a specific type of common-pool resource, online creation communities (OCCs). OCCs are communities of individuals that mainly interact via a platform of online ... More

This chapter addresses the governance of a specific type of common-pool resource, online creation communities (OCCs). OCCs are communities of individuals that mainly interact via a platform of online participation, with the goal of building and sharing a common-pool resource resulting from collaboratively systematizing and integrating dispersed information and knowledge resources. Previous research on the governance of OCCs has been based on analyzing specific aspects of that governance. The literature has lacked a comprehensive and holistic view of what governance means in collective action online. This chapter provides a set of dimensions that define the governance of OCCs and that include consideration of infrastructure provision. This chapter uses the knowledge commons framework that builds on the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework. The empirical data are drawn from a statistical analysis of fifty cases and four case studies on OCCs (Wikipedia, Flickr, wikiHow, and Openesf).Less

Commons at the Intersection of Peer Production, Citizen Science, and Big Data:: Galaxy Zoo

Michael J. Madison

in Governing Knowledge Commons

This chapter applies the knowledge commons research framework to research in modern astronomy. The case that it examines, Galaxy Zoo, is a leading example simultaneously of a successful global ... More

This chapter applies the knowledge commons research framework to research in modern astronomy. The case that it examines, Galaxy Zoo, is a leading example simultaneously of a successful global citizen science project; of peer production (sometimes known colloquially as crowdsourcing); and of data-intensive science, sometimes referred to as e-science or Big Data science. Galaxy Zoo scientists and volunteers have organized themselves and massive quantities of observational data about the universe in ways that are well suited to study as a case of commons. Galaxy Zoo has applied techniques of knowledge sharing and collaboration to produce unprecedented insights about galaxies. Examining Galaxy Zoo as a case of commons several additional questions to pursue in further commons investigation.Less

The Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network and the Urea Cycle Disorders Consortium as Nested Knowledge Commons

Can Cui

Katherine J. Strandburg and Brett M. Frischmann (eds)

in Governing Knowledge Commons

Information sharing, collaboration, and community building among researchers, doctors, and patients are critical to rare disease research. It is very difficult to do clinical research on rare ... More

Information sharing, collaboration, and community building among researchers, doctors, and patients are critical to rare disease research. It is very difficult to do clinical research on rare diseases; rareness means small numbers of patients, who usually are dispersed among geographically scattered medical centers. This chapter reports on a case study of the Rare Disease Clinical Research Network (RDCRN)’s Urea Cycle Disorders Consortium (UCDC) that employed the knowledge commons framework described in Chapter 1 of this volume. This case study is a step toward understanding whether and in what ways the RDCRN contributes to progress in combating rare diseases. Government funding for research is limited, and it is important to try to understand how various ways of structuring that funding influence the outcomes. Observations from close study of the UCDC generate hypotheses about the RDCRN approach that can be tested in comparative studies of other consortia.Less

Legispedia

Brigham Daniels

in Governing Knowledge Commons

This chapter uses the knowledge commons research framework to examine how Congress makes legislation. Specifically, it provides a case that relies upon Madison, Frischmann, and Strandburg’s modified ... More

This chapter uses the knowledge commons research framework to examine how Congress makes legislation. Specifically, it provides a case that relies upon Madison, Frischmann, and Strandburg’s modified version of Elinor Ostrom’s Institutional Analysis and Development framework. The chapter looks at the background environment for producing legislation, the nature of the legislative community and the resources it creates, and the outcomes of community interactions. It examines the effectiveness of the knowledge commons research framework in the context of congressional legislation and suggests refinements, specifically refinements to encourage future knowledge commons researchers to take account of relationships among rivalrous and nonrivalrous resources.Less

Toward the Comparison of Open Source Commons Institutions

Charles M. Schweik

in Governing Knowledge Commons

Open source software is arguably the oldest and largest category of Internet-based knowledge commons cases. This chapter reports the results of two related studies. The first study is a statistical ... More

Open source software is arguably the oldest and largest category of Internet-based knowledge commons cases. This chapter reports the results of two related studies. The first study is a statistical analysis of a large database of open source projects. Here, the overarching goal is to understand what leads some projects toward ongoing collaborative success while others become abandoned before achieving their goals. The second study provides a more detailed qualitative analysis of the governance structures found in a smaller set of open source software cases. It demonstrates the feasibility of a comparative, systematic, structured analysis of institutional designs. Taken together, and guided by the modified IAD framework described in Chapter 1, these two studies suggest one way forward toward a broader comparative knowledge commons research program.Less