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Innovation through collaboration: scaling up solutions for sustainable development

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  • I. Zelenika
  • J. Pearce

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. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2014

Suggested Citation

  • I. Zelenika & J. Pearce, 2014. "Innovation through collaboration: scaling up solutions for sustainable development," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 16(6), pages 1299-1316, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:16:y:2014:i:6:p:1299-1316
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-014-9528-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bruce Kogut & Anca Metiu, 2001. "Open-Source Software Development and Distributed Innovation," Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Oxford University Press and Oxford Review of Economic Policy Limited, vol. 17(2), pages 248-264, Summer.
    2. Fatima Hashmi & Joshua M. Pearce, 2011. "Viability of small‐scale arsenic‐contaminated‐water purification technologies for sustainable development in Pakistan," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 19(4), pages 223-234, July.
    3. Murphy, Heather M. & McBean, Edward A. & Farahbakhsh, Khosrow, 2009. "Appropriate technology – A comprehensive approach for water and sanitation in the developing world," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 31(2), pages 158-167.
    4. Robert G. Bringle & Julie A. Hatcher, 1996. "Implementing Service Learning in Higher Education," The Journal of Higher Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 67(2), pages 221-239, March.
    5. Joshua M. Pearce, 2009. "Appropedia as a Tool for Service Learning in Sustainable Development," Journal of Education for Sustainable Development, , vol. 3(1), pages 45-53, March.
    6. Joshua Pearce, 2012. "The case for open source appropriate technology," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 14(3), pages 425-431, June.
    7. Lakhani, Karim R. & von Hippel, Eric, 2003. "How open source software works: "free" user-to-user assistance," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 32(6), pages 923-943, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Krzysztof Malik & Anna Jasińska-Biliczak, 2018. "Innovations and Other Processes as Identifiers of Contemporary Trends in the Sustainable Development of SMEs: The Case of Emerging Regional Economies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-17, April.
    2. Wunhong Su & Chun Guo & Xiaobao Song, 2022. "Media coverage, Environment Protection Law and environmental research and development: evidence from the Chinese-listed firms," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 24(5), pages 6953-6983, May.
    3. Younghwan Moon & Junseok Hwang, 2018. "Crowdfunding as an Alternative Means for Funding Sustainable Appropriate Technology: Acceptance Determinants of Backers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-18, May.

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