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Are You Open?. An Investigation of the Concept of Openness for Knowledge and Innovation

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  • Julien Pénin

Abstract

This paper investigates the meaning and the importance of the concept of openness for knowledge and innovation. We propose two definitions of openness for a piece of knowledge, a weak one and a strong one. The common point between the two is that they both emphasize the centrality of the conditions of access: a piece of knowledge is open if it is made available to all under conditions that are non-discriminatory and reasonable. Our definition thus stresses the difference between openness and gratuity: a piece of knowledge can be open even though it is not free of charge. Then, we show that this definition of openness enables us to distinguish open innovation à la Chesbrough [2003], which does not fit it, from collective invention (Allen [1983]; Nuvolari, [2004]) and more generally open source models of knowledge production, which do. We conclude with the implications of this work for innovation practitioners and policy makers.

Suggested Citation

  • Julien Pénin, 2013. "Are You Open?. An Investigation of the Concept of Openness for Knowledge and Innovation," Revue économique, Presses de Sciences-Po, vol. 64(1), pages 133-148.
    • Handle: RePEc:cai:recosp:reco_641_0133
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