Innovation through collaboration: scaling up solutions for sustainable development
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-2014
Department
Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Abstract
The open collaborative philosophy employed in the success of open source (OS) software can be applied to hardware design. Specifically, the development of OS appropriate technologies (OSAT) can improve sustainable development efforts worldwide. Yet, widespread OSAT use is far from ubiquitous. Given that lack of communication, access to information and poor collaboration are among the largest barriers to a more effective OSAT dissemination, this paper explores opportunities to overcome such obstacles using four techniques: (1) collaborative online platforms, (2) crowd-sourcing, (3) the concept of knowledge commons, and (4) enabled educational institutions through service learning and applied research. The results are analyzed, and conclusions are drawn that outline paths to higher multiuser collaboration for OSAT deployment.
Publication Title
Environment, Development and Sustainability
Recommended Citation
Zelenika, I.,
&
Pearce, J.
(2014).
Innovation through collaboration: scaling up solutions for sustainable development.
Environment, Development and Sustainability,
16(6), 1299-1316.
http://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-014-9528-7
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p/4890