For many, the phrase open source conjures up images of hippy idealism -- where techies in a spirit of free love give away their work to others for nothing.  It’s seen as about as anti-capitalist as you can get.  Whilst once upon a time this was mostly true, in today’s hi-stakes, digital economy, these views are as naive as those of the citizens of Ancient Troy.  Increasingly, companies must be wary of Geeks bearing gifts.

Open source techniques are some of the most powerful weapons in the arsenal of business strategists today.  They can be used to remove barriers to entry into an opponent’s market, to encourage standardization around your practices, to develop ecosystems that strengthen your position, to spearhead a land grab for new sources of value, or simply as a way to cut costs or recruit talent. 

Most importantly, open source concepts are no longer limited to software, or even the IT industry.  The meme has spread from code to data to hardware to science itself.  For example, many of today’s pioneers in 3D printing have taken a deliberately open source approach as they seek to disrupt incumbents in the manufacturing world.  Even Governments have got in on the act.  Francis Maude, the UK Cabinet Office Minister, recently stated, “Open data is the next industrial revolution”.  Tim Berners-Lee is hailing a new era of open science.  These trends will affect nearly every industry to some degree, presenting business and technology strategists with important leadership opportunities.

This project is designed to help clients keep abreast of these important developments so they can be effective open source strategists wherever and whenever necessary.

Read Simon Wardley’s latest blog post on this topic, entitled Competing in an Open World – Time to Consider ‘Open’ Seriously here