univs open source innovating for sd

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Universities Innovating for Sustainable Development:Universities Innovating for Sustainable Development:

Commercialization or Free/Open Source Licensing?Commercialization or Free/Open Source Licensing?

World Innovation Forum: Innovating ThroughWorld Innovation Forum: Innovating Through

Sustainability Sustainability

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, MalaysiaKuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia

Plenary 4, 2:00 p.m., August 11, 2007 Plenary 4, 2:00 p.m., August 11, 2007

Roger Petry Roger Petry

Luther College at the University of ReginaLuther College at the University of Regina

Regina, SK Canada S4S 0A2Regina, SK Canada S4S 0A2CoCo--coordinator, Regional Centre of Expertise on Educationcoordinator, Regional Centre of Expertise on Education

for Sustainable Development Saskatchewanfor Sustainable Development Saskatchewan

(RCE Saskatchewan)(RCE Saskatchewan)

Phone: 306Phone: 306--585 585--5295, FAX: 3065295, FAX: 306--585 585--5267 5267

E E--Mail:Mail: [email protected]@uregina.ca

, Web: , Web: www.saskrce.cawww.saskrce.ca



Presentation OverviewPresentation Overview

Description of research projectDescription of research project

Research methodologyResearch methodology

Description of case studies examinedDescription of case studies examined Discussion of findingsDiscussion of findings

Concluding reflectionsConcluding reflections



1. Description of Research1. Description of ResearchProject: BackgroundProject: Background

Research undertaken through theResearch undertaken through the

Canadian Plains Studies DoctoralCanadian Plains Studies DoctoralProgram, University of Regina,Program, University of Regina,

Regina, SK, CanadaRegina, SK, Canada

Research supported by the SocialResearch supported by the Social

Sciences and Humanities ResearchSciences and Humanities Research

Council of Canada (SSHRC) DoctoralCouncil of Canada (SSHRC) Doctoral

Fellowships ProgramFellowships Program



Context of ResearchContext of Research

Merging of two policy directions within theMerging of two policy directions within the

Government of Canada:Government of Canada:

formal commitments to Sustainableformal commitments to Sustainable

Development (SD) since early 1990sDevelopment (SD) since early 1990s formal commitments to technologicalformal commitments to technological

innovation:innovation:

20012001 Innovation AgendaInnovation Agenda

2007: Mobilizing Science and Technology 2007: Mobilizing Science and Technology

to Canada's Advantageto Canada's Advantage

formally linking concept of innovation withformally linking concept of innovation with

commercializationcommercialization



Example of Convergence of Example of Convergence of Initiatives in Policy DocumentsInitiatives in Policy Documents

³In support of a growing, competitive ³In support of a growing, competitive

and innovative economy, Canada is aand innovative economy, Canada is aleader in the development,leader in the development,

commercialization and adoption of commercialization and adoption of innovative sustainable developmentinnovative sustainable development

tools, practices and technologiestools, practices and technologies

throughout the economy´ throughout the economy´ Vision Statement of Industry Canada's 3Vision Statement of Industry Canada's 3rdrd

Sustainable Development Strategy Sustainable Development Strategy , 2003 to 2006, 2003 to 2006



Further Technology Option:Further Technology Option:Free/Open Source LicensingFree/Open Source Licensing

distinct alternative to the commercializationdistinct alternative to the commercializationmodelmodel

allows for a broadallows for a broad--based sharing of based sharing of

intellectual propertyintellectual property

origin in software development: e.g.origin in software development: e.g.

GNU/Linux computer operating systemGNU/Linux computer operating system

a new model of development: volunteerisma new model of development: volunteerismapplied to goods productionapplied to goods production



Role of Universities in InnovationRole of Universities in Innovationin Canadain Canada

Canada with $12 billion in public R&DCanada with $12 billion in public R&D

(i.e., expenditure by governments and(i.e., expenditure by governments and

higherhigher--education institutions) in 2005,education institutions) in 2005,

highest % of Ghighest % of G--7 countries (0.9% of 7 countries (0.9% of GDP)GDP)

6.5% of industry6.5% of industry--funded R&D in Canadafunded R&D in Canada

performed by universities; highest %performed by universities; highest %among Gamong G--7 (2002)7 (2002)

Canadian universities produceCanadian universities produce

approximately 1/3 of all Canadian R&Dapproximately 1/3 of all Canadian R&D



Formal Commitments for CommercializationFormal Commitments for Commercializationof Canadian University Researchof Canadian University Research

Government of Canada and the Association of Government of Canada and the Association of

Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC):Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC):F ramework of Agreed Principles on F ederally F unded F ramework of Agreed Principles on F ederally F unded

University ResearchUniversity Research (2002)(2002)

AUCC committed Canadian universities to:AUCC committed Canadian universities to:

doubledouble their research performance by 2010their research performance by 2010

tripletriple their levels of commercialization by 2010their levels of commercialization by 2010

from $23.4 million income in 1999 to $70.2from $23.4 million income in 1999 to $70.2

million in 2010million in 2010

Government of Canada agreed to increase its fundingGovernment of Canada agreed to increase its funding

of university research:of university research:

$5.0 Billion in sponsored research in 2004 (a 51.5%$5.0 Billion in sponsored research in 2004 (a 51.5%

increase from 2001)increase from 2001)



University Commitments to SustainableUniversity Commitments to SustainableDevelopment Research (SD)Development Research (SD)

TheThe G lobal Higher Education for Sustainability PartnershipG lobal Higher Education for Sustainability Partnership(GHESP) unites four higher education initiatives for SD(GHESP) unites four higher education initiatives for SD

International Association of Universities (IAU):International Association of Universities (IAU): KyotoKyoto

DeclarationDeclaration (as of 2004 had over 650 member(as of 2004 had over 650 member

universities)universities)

University Leaders for a Sustainable Future (ULSF):University Leaders for a Sustainable Future (ULSF):

secretariat for thesecretariat for the Talloires DeclarationTalloires Declaration on SD (overon SD (over

280 signatories)280 signatories)

Copernicus Campus managing theCopernicus Campus managing the University Charter University Charter for Sustainable Development for Sustainable Development (over 300 signatories),(over 300 signatories),

UNESCO: UN agency responsible for managing ChapterUNESCO: UN agency responsible for managing Chapter

36 of 36 of Agenda 21 Agenda 21 (chapter for universities from(chapter for universities from RioRio

Summit Summit 1992)1992)



Why are universities central to SD Research?Why are universities central to SD Research?University Institutional Capacity for SDUniversity Institutional Capacity for SD

knowledge production central toknowledge production central touniversity mandateuniversity mandate

established networks for knowledgeestablished networks for knowledgesharing (university and nonsharing (university and non--university networks)university networks)

holding breadth of knowledgeholding breadth of knowledge(social, economic, and ecological)(social, economic, and ecological)

needed for SDneeded for SD

often holder of unique knowledgeoften holder of unique knowledge



Further Advantages of Further Advantages of Universities in SD ResearchUniversities in SD Research

knowledge over varying spatial scalesknowledge over varying spatial scales

(local, regional, global) & temporal scales(local, regional, global) & temporal scales

(e.g. short and lengthy time horizons)(e.g. short and lengthy time horizons)

ability to integrate knowledge holdingsability to integrate knowledge holdings

(e.g. interdisciplinarity) within a single(e.g. interdisciplinarity) within a single

institutioninstitution

Institutional autonomy and ability to applyInstitutional autonomy and ability to applySD technology to own organization (e.g.SD technology to own organization (e.g.

greening the campus)greening the campus)



Power of Academic DecisionPower of Academic Decision--Makers inMakers inCanadian Universities To ChooseCanadian Universities To Choose

Commercialization or Free LicensingCommercialization or Free Licensing Institutional policies in universities and researchInstitutional policies in universities and research

hospitals generally determining who owns intellectualhospitals generally determining who owns intellectualproperty (IP):property (IP):

84.5% policy84.5% policy--determined for inventions, 81.5% fordetermined for inventions, 81.5% for

copyrighted materials, 75.9% for educational materials incopyrighted materials, 75.9% for educational materials in2004 (see Read:2006)2004 (see Read:2006)

Researchers frequently sole owners of IP (or jointResearchers frequently sole owners of IP (or joint

ownersowners----in parenthesis):in parenthesis):

46.0% of policies with researchers as sole owners of 46.0% of policies with researchers as sole owners of inventions (21.3% joint), 51.1% for software orinventions (21.3% joint), 51.1% for software or

databases (18.5% joint), and 69.3% for educationaldatabases (18.5% joint), and 69.3% for educational

materials (8.6% joint)materials (8.6% joint)

90.3% of IP policies grant researchers the right90.3% of IP policies grant researchers the right

not tonot to commercializecommercialize



2. Research Methodology2. Research Methodology

G eneral Research QuestionG eneral Research Question:: Is the trend toward Is the trend toward

commercialization of university research appropriatecommercialization of university research appropriatefor universities with a commitment to knowledgefor universities with a commitment to knowledge

production for sustainable development (SD)? production for sustainable development (SD)?

Secondary QuestionsSecondary Questions::

W hat is the understanding of academic faculty (asW hat is the understanding of academic faculty (as

key organizational decision makers) of the relativekey organizational decision makers) of the relative

merits of commercialization and F ree/Open Sourcemerits of commercialization and F ree/Open Source

licensing models in achieving the sustainability licensing models in achieving the sustainability goals of their specific SD research projects? goals of their specific SD research projects?

How does this understanding influence their ownHow does this understanding influence their own

intellectual property decisions? intellectual property decisions?



Operationalization of Key TermsOperationalization of Key Terms

Sustainable Development: simultaneously Sustainable Development: simultaneously

sustaining:sustaining:

(1)(1) natural capital natural capital : maintaining minimal stocks: maintaining minimal stocks

of natural capital (i.e.,of natural capital (i.e., strongstrong sustainability)sustainability) (2)(2) human capital human capital : meeting basic needs: meeting basic needs

(including health and security), sustaining(including health and security), sustaining

capabilities/freedoms, and improving quality of capabilities/freedoms, and improving quality of

life (i.e., human welllife (i.e., human well--being; see MEA:2003)being; see MEA:2003)

Involves: (1) sustaining capital stocks,Involves: (1) sustaining capital stocks,

relationships, and processes; (2) managingrelationships, and processes; (2) managing

acceptable risks; & (3) ongoing improvements inacceptable risks; & (3) ongoing improvements in

each form of capital (i.e. ³development´)each form of capital (i.e. ³development´)



Knowledge CommercializationKnowledge Commercialization

Knowledge commercialization:Knowledge commercialization: the commercialthe commercial

exploitation of intellectual property (IP) to generateexploitation of intellectual property (IP) to generaterevenues through the production of distinctiverevenues through the production of distinctivemarketable products and services made possible bymarketable products and services made possible by

the exercise of the exclusive uses associated withthe exercise of the exclusive uses associated withthe IP prevented to market rivals. For example:the IP prevented to market rivals. For example:

revenues from the sale and formal transfer of IPrevenues from the sale and formal transfer of IP

obtaining royalties from licensing IP (eitherobtaining royalties from licensing IP (either

exclusively to a single firm or nonexclusively to a single firm or non--exclusively toexclusively toseveral firms)several firms)

ownership of a spinownership of a spin--off company created tooff company created to

produce the particular good or service exploitingproduce the particular good or service exploiting

the IPthe IP



Free/Open Source LicensingFree/Open Source Licensing

Note: distinguished from material inNote: distinguished from material in

the public domain (due to expirationthe public domain (due to expirationof the term of the IP right or formalof the term of the IP right or formal

consignment to the public domain)consignment to the public domain)

Free/Open Source Licensing: anFree/Open Source Licensing: an

owner¶s licensing of intellectualowner¶s licensing of intellectual

property to allow others the ability toproperty to allow others the ability toexercise the exclusive rights grantedexercise the exclusive rights granted

to the owner of the IPto the owner of the IP



Free Licenses Designed to Leverage theFree Licenses Designed to Leverage theProduction of more Free Licensed MaterialProduction of more Free Licensed Material

Legal requirement that those whoLegal requirement that those whoincorporate Free Licensed software intoincorporate Free Licensed software intotheir work and distribute the new softwaretheir work and distribute the new software

to license the new software under the sameto license the new software under the sameterms as the original Free Software Licenseterms as the original Free Software License

no further restrictions can be placed onno further restrictions can be placed on

usersusers

³copyleft´ provisions or ³share ³copyleft´ provisions or ³share--andand--

shareshare--alike´ alike´

E.g., the popular GNU General PublicE.g., the popular GNU General Public

License (the GPL)License (the GPL)



Case Studies ApproachCase Studies Approach

use of qualitative method (groundeduse of qualitative method (grounded

theory) & case studies approachtheory) & case studies approach

five SD research case studies fromfive SD research case studies fromthe University of Regina inthe University of Regina in

Saskatchewan, CanadaSaskatchewan, Canada

inin--depth interviews with researchersdepth interviews with researchers

associated with SD research projectsassociated with SD research projects

involving software developmentinvolving software development

and/or computer scienceand/or computer science



3. Description of Case Studies3. Description of Case StudiesExaminedExamined

University of Regina located in prairie region of University of Regina located in prairie region of

Canada and capital city of the Province of Canada and capital city of the Province of SaskatchewanSaskatchewan

a smaller research university yet witha smaller research university yet withsubstantial research growth (research incomesubstantial research growth (research income

of $9.93 million in 2000 to $23.94 million inof $9.93 million in 2000 to $23.94 million in

2005; 19.2% annual growth rate)2005; 19.2% annual growth rate)

Extensive interdisciplinary and SD ResearchExtensive interdisciplinary and SD Research



University of ReginaUniversity of Regina Communities of Communities of Tomorrow Tomorrow SD PartnershipSD Partnership

launched in 2003launched in 2003

Includes:Includes:

the University of Reginathe University of Regina

City of ReginaCity of Regina Saskatchewan Industry and ResourcesSaskatchewan Industry and Resources

Western Economic Diversi¿cation CanadaWestern Economic Diversi¿cation Canada

National Research Council (NRC) of the Government of National Research Council (NRC) of the Government of CanadaCanada

$30 million in funding commitments, (including in$30 million in funding commitments, (including in--

kind) over the ¿rst ¿ve years of operationskind) over the ¿rst ¿ve years of operations

includes specific commitments toincludes specific commitments to

commercialization of SD technologycommercialization of SD technology



SD Research Case StudiesSD Research Case Studies

5 Research Case Studies funded by U of R:5 Research Case Studies funded by U of R:

³Interactive Learning about Sustainable Resource ³Interactive Learning about Sustainable Resource

Usage´ Usage´

³Objective and Subjective Assessment of Traffic ³Objective and Subjective Assessment of TrafficNoise Impact To Residential Areas and TrafficNoise Impact To Residential Areas and Traffic

Noise Control in Regina´ Noise Control in Regina´

³Total Product Assessment for Sustainable ³Total Product Assessment for Sustainable

Consumption´ Consumption´

³Web ³Web--based Intelligent Systems for Sustainablebased Intelligent Systems for Sustainable

Communities´ Communities´

³Effects of Pavement Types and Conditions to the ³Effects of Pavement Types and Conditions to the

Environmental Noise of Urban Areas´ Environmental Noise of Urban Areas´



4. Discussion of Findings4. Discussion of Findings

Minority with direct prior experiences withMinority with direct prior experiences withcommercialization or F/OS licensing of owncommercialization or F/OS licensing of ownworkwork

Awareness of both options in academic work:Awareness of both options in academic work: ³Well, I have two computers here. One is Unix. One ³Well, I have two computers here. One is Unix. One

is Windows. In the world of Unix almost everythingis Windows. In the world of Unix almost everythingis Open Source. In the world of Windows almostis Open Source. In the world of Windows almostnothing is Open Source«. So one was primarilynothing is Open Source«. So one was primarilycreated by academics with some researchcreated by academics with some researchlaboratories, corporate laboratories involved, that'slaboratories, corporate laboratories involved, that'sUnix. One was created primarily by a company withUnix. One was created primarily by a company witha number of other companies involved all looking fora number of other companies involved all looking forprofit« I work in both worlds everyday.´ profit« I work in both worlds everyday.´



IP Decisions Regarding SDIP Decisions Regarding SDProjectsProjects

Most (4 projects) not having made specificMost (4 projects) not having made specific

decision regarding commercialization of decision regarding commercialization of

SD project at time of interviewSD project at time of interview

Most viewing commercialization as aMost viewing commercialization as a

possible optionpossible option

e.g. development of software programse.g. development of software programs

Articulated awareness of university desireArticulated awareness of university desireto commercialize of SD projectsto commercialize of SD projects



Factors In the Development of SDFactors In the Development of SDTechnologies: What made SDTechnologies: What made SD

technologies possible?technologies possible?

1.1. Motivations of researchersMotivations of researchers

Seeking to achieve multiple objectivesSeeking to achieve multiple objectives

Includes scholarly dimensions andIncludes scholarly dimensions andpersonal concernspersonal concerns

2.2. Situated opportunitiesSituated opportunities

3.3. Contributions of diversity of Contributions of diversity of organizational and individual actorsorganizational and individual actors



1. Cluster of Factors Motivating1. Cluster of Factors MotivatingResearchers:Researchers: Advancing Own Advancing Own

Research AreaResearch Area

Interest in applying research area toInterest in applying research area to

SD problemSD problem

SD research providing capacity forSD research providing capacity foradvancing own research area (andadvancing own research area (and

those of others)those of others)

MultiMulti--dimensional aspects of SDdimensional aspects of SDproblem enabling and requiringproblem enabling and requiring

interdisciplinary collaborationinterdisciplinary collaboration



Motivations of Researchers:Motivations of Researchers:E d uc ational Goal sE d uc ational Goal s

Creating informed decisionCreating informed decision--makingmaking

at both the:at both the:

Organizational level:Organizational level: e.g. policy making,e.g. policy making,organizational purchasingorganizational purchasing

Individual level:Individual level:

Allowing autonomous reflection andAllowing autonomous reflection and

evaluation for SD (e.g. transit decisions)evaluation for SD (e.g. transit decisions)

Motivating individuals to act on SD issueMotivating individuals to act on SD issue

Including use/takeIncluding use/take--up of technologyup of technology



Education andEducation and F ocusing onF ocusing onUser/Learner Need sUser/Learner Need s

Developing technology for suitabilityDeveloping technology for suitability

to user needsto user needs

Allowing user experimentation withAllowing user experimentation withtechnologytechnology

Allowing adaptation of technologyAllowing adaptation of technology

Ensuring accessibility of technologyEnsuring accessibility of technology Availability of technologyAvailability of technology

Ease of use and intelligibilityEase of use and intelligibility



Motivations of Researchers:Motivations of Researchers:P ubl ic Ser v iceP ubl ic Ser v ice

Acting to serve public as part of jobActing to serve public as part of job

descriptiondescription

Serving citizens (if state university)Serving citizens (if state university) Seeking to improve quality of lifeSeeking to improve quality of life

Focusing on publicly identified issuesFocusing on publicly identified issues

of concernof concern



Motivations of Researchers:Motivations of Researchers:P ersonal Conv ictionsP ersonal Conv ictions

Impact of SD issue on individualImpact of SD issue on individual

researcher (e.g. researcher¶s ownresearcher (e.g. researcher¶s own

personal quality of life adverselypersonal quality of life adverselyimpacted, e.g. sickness from airimpacted, e.g. sickness from air

pollution)pollution)

Ethical concerns (e.g, responsibilitiesEthical concerns (e.g, responsibilities

towards future generations)towards future generations)

Sense of political duty (e.g. ³being aSense of political duty (e.g. ³being a

good citizen´)good citizen´)



2. Factors in Development SD2. Factors in Development SDProjects:Projects: Situated Opportunity Situated Opportunity

Identification of problem from localIdentification of problem from local

observationsobservations

E.g. personal experiences in own householdE.g. personal experiences in own household

E.g. Discussions with others living inE.g. Discussions with others living in

community/neighbourhoodcommunity/neighbourhood

University providing supportive role forUniversity providing supportive role for

collaborationcollaboration e.g. formal U of R commitment toe.g. formal U of R commitment to

interdisciplinarity and SDinterdisciplinarity and SD



3. Factors in Development of 3. Factors in Development of Technology:Technology: Contributions of Contributions of

Di v ersity of ActorsDi v ersity of Actors

Wide collaboration in research projectsWide collaboration in research projects

around shared interest in SD issuearound shared interest in SD issue

Academic community: own researchAcademic community: own research

expertise, academic researchers in otherexpertise, academic researchers in other

(sub)(sub)--disciplines, graduate students,disciplines, graduate students,

university administrationuniversity administration

Collaboration with other organizationsCollaboration with other organizationswith an interest in SD: business,with an interest in SD: business,

government, NGO¶sgovernment, NGO¶s



Nature of ContributionsNature of ContributionsObserved in SD ProjectsObserved in SD Projects

Relying on local knowledgeRelying on local knowledge

e.g. local transportation networks ande.g. local transportation networks andusage, local use and pricing of resourcesusage, local use and pricing of resources

Reliance on outside organizations forReliance on outside organizations fordata contributions (e.g. local/municipaldata contributions (e.g. local/municipalgovernment)government)

Relying on general domain expertiseRelying on general domain expertise Involving theoretical contributions fromInvolving theoretical contributions from

multiple disciplinesmultiple disciplines



Further ContributionsFurther Contributions

Relying onRelying on support for scholarly work support for scholarly work

Targeted funding by university for SD researchTargeted funding by university for SD research(e.g. hiring graduate students)(e.g. hiring graduate students)

Funding for research equipmentFunding for research equipment Use of Open Source tools and other freelyUse of Open Source tools and other freely

available materials (e.g. data made availableavailable materials (e.g. data made availablein open sources)in open sources)

Relying onRelying on places for situated testing places for situated testing E.g. Highway department and testing of roadE.g. Highway department and testing of road

surfacing materials; Science Centre andsurfacing materials; Science Centre andobserving children experimenting with gameobserving children experimenting with gamefor SDfor SD



Challenges in Commercialization:Challenges in Commercialization:Impact on ContributionsImpact on Contributions

Potential loss of contributions of others if Potential loss of contributions of others if turned into a commercial productturned into a commercial product

Dependence on user input and possibleDependence on user input and possible

demand for return if commercializeddemand for return if commercialized Some contributions potentially central toSome contributions potentially central to

technology viability others merely desirabletechnology viability others merely desirable

Challenge finding other contributorsChallenge finding other contributors

Challenge finding investorsChallenge finding investors

Challenge finding industry partners in right lineChallenge finding industry partners in right lineof business to commercialize productof business to commercialize product



Challenges in Commercialization:Challenges in Commercialization:Small M arket SizeSmall M arket Size

Limited size of marketLimited size of market

Distinctiveness of users for which technologyDistinctiveness of users for which technologydesigned (e.g. small city with distinct challenges)designed (e.g. small city with distinct challenges)

Requiring customization for usability/optimal useRequiring customization for usability/optimal use

e.g. social factors: language, local travele.g. social factors: language, local travelpatterns, types of infrastructure/buildingpatterns, types of infrastructure/buildingmaterialsmaterials

e.g. natural factors: geography, local weathere.g. natural factors: geography, local weatherconditionsconditions

Lacking ability and resources to customize technologyLacking ability and resources to customize technology

Potentially lacking knowledge of relevant conditionsPotentially lacking knowledge of relevant conditionselsewhereelsewhere

Requiring ongoing updating of data as human andRequiring ongoing updating of data as human andnatural systems evolvenatural systems evolve



Challenges of Commercialization:Challenges of Commercialization:Lack of Strong M arket Demand Lack of Strong M arket Demand

Potential users having a low willingness orPotential users having a low willingness or

ability to pay:ability to pay:

Lack of direct immediate benefit (e.g. SDLack of direct immediate benefit (e.g. SD

concern with future or collective benefits)concern with future or collective benefits)

Low priority relative to other purchasingLow priority relative to other purchasing

priorities (e.g. state budgeting)priorities (e.g. state budgeting)

Potential users lacking financial resources if Potential users lacking financial resources if

commercialized (e.g. those in poverty;commercialized (e.g. those in poverty;

financially constrained public institutions)financially constrained public institutions)



Commercialization andCommercialization andScholarly IdentityScholarly Identity

Financial gain not identified as primaryFinancial gain not identified as primarymotive (despite universitymotive (despite universityencouragement)encouragement)

Though willingness to help economic

Though willingness to help economicsustainability goals as form of public servicesustainability goals as form of public service

Commercialization requiring skills andCommercialization requiring skills andresources beyond those of the researcherresources beyond those of the researcher Lack of funding to develop and test prototypeLack of funding to develop and test prototype

Challenge determining contractual balanceChallenge determining contractual balance(given uncertainty of benefits and variety of (given uncertainty of benefits and variety of contributors)contributors)



Commercialization andCommercialization andScholarly RisksScholarly Risks

Concerns regarding publication delays (andConcerns regarding publication delays (andpossible pressure not to publicize results)possible pressure not to publicize results)

Risk of technology not being applied if startRisk of technology not being applied if start--upup

company failscompany fails Risk of foreclosing opportunity to further developRisk of foreclosing opportunity to further develop

technology if sold to private firmtechnology if sold to private firm

Risk regarding integrity of work if perceived asRisk regarding integrity of work if perceived as

undermining commercial interestsundermining commercial interests E.g. technology being bought out by dominantE.g. technology being bought out by dominant

firms in marketplacefirms in marketplace



Potential For Related CommercialPotential For Related CommercialBenefits with Uptake of TechnologyBenefits with Uptake of Technology

Market value of data gathered fromMarket value of data gathered fromtechnology usagetechnology usage

Service provision in customizingService provision in customizing

technology to specialized needstechnology to specialized needs

Value of demand for downstream orValue of demand for downstream orrelated productsrelated products

e.g. increased demand for materials such ase.g. increased demand for materials such asscrap tiresscrap tires

e.g. developing market for ecologically friendlye.g. developing market for ecologically friendlyproducts and transportation typesproducts and transportation types



Potential for Related CommercialPotential for Related CommercialBenefits (continued)Benefits (continued)

Reduced costs for businesses andReduced costs for businesses and

government through improvements ingovernment through improvements in

production methodsproduction methods

Potential for research funding through savingsPotential for research funding through savings

Increased regional competitivenessIncreased regional competitiveness

through Quality of Lifethrough Quality of Life

attracting human capital to regionattracting human capital to region

improving efficiency of labourimproving efficiency of labour

E.g. labour efficiency impaired by noise pollutionE.g. labour efficiency impaired by noise pollution



Free/Open Source LicensingFree/Open Source Licensingand SD Projectsand SD Projects

Viewing F/OS licensing as compatible withViewing F/OS licensing as compatible withacademic culture:academic culture:

Openness and academic publishingOpenness and academic publishing

Openness required for peer review/verifyingOpenness required for peer review/verifyingfindingsfindings

State university funding and duty for publicState university funding and duty for publicavailability and availability to all market firmsavailability and availability to all market firms

(vs. specific ones)(vs. specific ones) Reducing barriers for other academics toReducing barriers for other academics to

participate in scholarly endeavorsparticipate in scholarly endeavors



Risks with F/OS LicensingRisks with F/OS Licensing

Requiring ongoing maintenance of Requiring ongoing maintenance of

projectsprojects

Though this kind of project maintenanceThough this kind of project maintenance

viewed as easier with academic skillviewed as easier with academic skill--setset

than commercial product developmentthan commercial product development

Lack of University support for F/OSLack of University support for F/OS

toolstools

Lack of reliability of F/OS softwareLack of reliability of F/OS software



Scholarly Risks and F/OSScholarly Risks and F/OS

Fear of others preempting results if Fear of others preempting results if

openly releasedopenly released

Concern that others need not abideConcern that others need not abideby Free Licensing termsby Free Licensing terms

Lack of financial resources to enforceLack of financial resources to enforce

licenseslicenses



F/OS Business ModelF/OS Business Model

challenging making money through OSS if challenging making money through OSS if given freely awaygiven freely away

However:However:

businesses developing business models aroundbusinesses developing business models aroundOSOS

e.g. open source and advertisinge.g. open source and advertising

offering related services for OSSoffering related services for OSS

actual business interest and support foractual business interest and support foruniversity OS developmentuniversity OS development

interest linked to solving an industryinterest linked to solving an industry--wide problemwide problem



NonNon--Market F/OS StrategiesMarket F/OS Strategies

potential government, community and individualpotential government, community and individualsupport for F/OSS development linked tosupport for F/OSS development linked totechnology goalstechnology goals

Open Source potentially increasing exposure,Open Source potentially increasing exposure,

experimentation, and takeexperimentation, and take--upup Though still other barriers: e.g. hardware,Though still other barriers: e.g. hardware,

expertise needed to use technology, labour toexpertise needed to use technology, labour tosupport technology within organizationsupport technology within organization

Potential for others to distribute technologyPotential for others to distribute technologythrough nonthrough non--market meansmarket means

e.g. Science Centre distributing softwaree.g. Science Centre distributing softwareprogram to school childrenprogram to school children



5. Concluding Reflections5. Concluding Reflections

Need to consider goals of academyNeed to consider goals of academyand individual researchers engagedand individual researchers engagedin SD research in harnessingin SD research in harnessing

University capacity to innovate forUniversity capacity to innovate forSD:SD:

Faculty researchers choosingFaculty researchers choosingtechnology direction based ontechnology direction based oncuriosity/scholarly interestcuriosity/scholarly interest

Often not a financial motiveOften not a financial motive



Significant Challenges toSignificant Challenges toCommercialize SD TechnologyCommercialize SD Technology

Some related to tensions betweenSome related to tensions betweenconditions needed to generate SDconditions needed to generate SDtechnology in universities and conditionstechnology in universities and conditionsneeded for their commercializationneeded for their commercialization

Some challenges due to regionalSome challenges due to regionalchallenges in New Economy (seechallenges in New Economy (seeappendix); implies possible divergence of appendix); implies possible divergence of IP strategies between regionsIP strategies between regions

Some challenges linked to tensionsSome challenges linked to tensionsbetween academic goals of researchersbetween academic goals of researchersand risks with commercializationand risks with commercialization



Free/Open Source Licensing and SD ProjectsFree/Open Source Licensing and SD Projects

Free/Open Source licensing potentially supportive of Free/Open Source licensing potentially supportive of researcher goals for SD researchresearcher goals for SD research

some F/OSS risks needing to be mitigatedsome F/OSS risks needing to be mitigated

Licensing of technologies should build on how SDLicensing of technologies should build on how SD

technologies are being developed in academic settingstechnologies are being developed in academic settingsin the first placein the first place

E.g. continue to build on voluntary contributions if E.g. continue to build on voluntary contributions if possiblepossible

Potential for downstream significant business andPotential for downstream significant business and

livelihood opportunities (including commercialization)livelihood opportunities (including commercialization)with broad takewith broad take--up of some SD technologiesup of some SD technologies

New Economy strategies need to factor in potentiallyNew Economy strategies need to factor in potentiallydisruptive market technologies developed by thedisruptive market technologies developed by theacademic community (given IP control of faculty)academic community (given IP control of faculty)

Appendix: Regina SKAppendix: Regina SK



Appendix: Regina, SK, Appendix: Regina, SK,Geographic Challenges in theGeographic Challenges in the

New EconomyNew Economy Average growth in Information andAverage growth in Information and

Communication Technology (ICT) paidCommunication Technology (ICT) paidemployment in Canada between 1990 andemployment in Canada between 1990 and2000 was 72.6% (Beckstead2000 was 72.6% (Beckstead et al.: 2003)et al.: 2003)

vs. Saskatchewan ICT workersvs. Saskatchewan ICT workers declined declined byby

8.9%8.9%

Average growth of ICT paid workers inAverage growth of ICT paid workers in

(de¿ned as Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs)(de¿ned as Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs)with populations over 100,000) was 79%with populations over 100,000) was 79%

vs. Reginavs. Regina declined by declined by 17%17%



Further SK Challenges in New EconomyFurther SK Challenges in New Economy

Nearest Global City Region (GCR) outsideNearest Global City Region (GCR) outside

of provinceof province

E.g. Calgary, AlbertaE.g. Calgary, Alberta

Dominated by SMEs, CoDominated by SMEs, Co--operatives, Stateoperatives, State

Enterprises, Government importantEnterprises, Government important

employer, and strong Voluntary Sectoremployer, and strong Voluntary Sector

Lacking industrial base, large privateLacking industrial base, large privateenterprises, and venture capitalenterprises, and venture capital