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Hope, Janet --- "An Introduction to Open Source Biotechnology" [2009] ELECD 439; in Arup, Christopher; van Caenegem, William (eds), "Intellectual Property Policy Reform" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2009)

Book Title: Intellectual Property Policy Reform

Editor(s): Arup, Christopher; van Caenegem, William

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781848441637

Section: Chapter 7

Section Title: An Introduction to Open Source Biotechnology

Author(s): Hope, Janet

Number of pages: 25

Extract:

7. An introduction to open source
biotechnology
Janet Hope

I. INTRODUCTION
This chapter provides an introduction to the emerging phenomenon of `open
source biotechnology' (OSB). It explores a number of questions commonly
raised by innovators, intellectual property (IP) practitioners and end users
about the desirability and feasibility of translating the open source model of
software development into the life sciences.
For example: What is OSB? What specific problems is it intended to
solve? What are the key elements of an open source approach outside the
software context? In the absence of proprietary control over their contribu-
tions, why would self-interested actors choose to participate in open source-
style collaboration? How does OSB address problems of excessive
proprietary control over knowledge inputs? Are there any real-world exam-
ples of OSB? And finally, what are the major challenges in implementing
this approach?
The responses provided to these questions are not intended to be conclu-
sive. Rather, they are offered as a conversation starter for anyone interested in
exploring possible applications of the open source model in a new context. For
this reason, the discussion assumes no more than a basic knowledge of the
relevant fields.


II. WHAT IS OPEN SOURCE BIOTECHNOLOGY?
OSB is a nascent movement comprising scholars in the disciplines of law,
economics and innovation management, scientific researchers and managers
in non-profit and for-profit institutions, and social entrepreneurs. Although it
is possible to identify a number of individuals who are actively working to
make OSB a reality ( ...