Microbial Commons:Governing Complex Knowledge

Assets

Minna AllarakhiaUniversity of WaterlooManagement Sciences

National Academy of SciencesWashington D.C.October 8-9 2009

Systems Biology Paradigm

Systems level understanding of biological processes

Multiple hierarchical levels

Information is processed in complex networks

DISEASE 1

DISEASE 2

DISEASE 3

DISEASE 4

A Knowledge Perspective of Innovation

Biology is an information science

Multiple Hierarchical Levels Complex Networks and

Interactions A New Biological Knowledge

Framework Public Good versus Quasi-

Private Good Managing Incentives for the

First and Second Innovators

Voluntary Spillovers

Development of a collegial reputation as a reward for working in open science.

To create general reciprocity obligations.

To influence adoption of a technology or technology standard.

When firms are interested in improvements of the average aggregate performance of an industry; to increase safety and regulation associated within an industry.

To pre-empt rivals.

The Open Source Model

OPEN SOURCE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Collaborative Production

Shared Implementatio

n

OPEN SOURCE BIOTECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Collaborative Production

Fair and/or Equitable

Access

A Knowledge Based View of Biopharmaceutical Alliances

Resource-Based Theories Knowledge Access Theories Knowledge Structures Theory

Consortium Analysis

Analysis of 39 consortia Committed to

– Open Source Analysis

– Structure and Knowledge Types– Participants– Rules– Appropriation Strategies

Use of Knowledge Framework to Understand Firm Behaviour

Knowledge Parameter

Analysis

Knowledge Characteristics

Complementarity Impact on Participation, Appropriation, and Bargaining Decisions

SubstitutabilityApplicability

Knowledge Class Research Input Impact on Participation, Appropriation, and Bargaining Decisions

ToolDrugDiagnostic

Knowledge Form Disembodied Value of KnowledgeEmbodied

Knowledge Phase Upstream Timing and Focus of AppropriationDownstream

Knowledge Paradigm

Chemical Focus of Knowledge Generation Activities and Intellectual Property Strategies

BiologicalInformation

Governing the Biotech Commons

Managing the Biotech Commons

Governance Mechanism

Participation Entry RulesCommitment PoliciesKnowledge Access Policy

Knowledge Dissemination Strategy

Rules for Sharing of DataOpen/Closed Data Repositories/PublicationsRules for Materials DisseminationTransfer of/Pooling of Biological Materials

Appropriation and Licensing Management

Copy-left Licenses for DataOpen Materials Access, NE-RF Licensing, Patent Pools, Geographic-Based Licensing

Updated Commons Model

Commons

Structure: Open or Closed

Participants; Catalyzation

Rules/Incentives for Participation

Rules for Knowledge/Technolo

gy Management

The Microbial Commons

Limitless capabilities for application of knowledge to national needs– DOE Energy and Environmental

Missions Whole Systems

Understanding– Whole living and interacting

systems Integration and Analysis of

Data– Knowledge

organization/Patterns

Managing Microbial Data

Continued Sharing of Microbiological Information Critical– Linking Literature, Databases and User

Communities– Collaborative Discovery, Validation,

Representation– Suggested governance mechanisms

include time of data deposits, access and use, exemption clauses for non-commercial use, management transfer, commercial use clauses

Case Examples of Microbial Data Management

Open access journals, databases, supporting tools

MannDB– Microbial relational database– Use of open source tools

GBIF– Information-based infrastructure

to connect users to a globally distributed network of databases

Case Examples of Microbial Data Management

Initiatives to share microbial data from the private sector

Helicos BioSciences Corporation– Open microbial data sets-

Motivation?

Managing Microbial Materials

WFCC-Umbrella Organization Biological Resource Centres

(BRCs) – House collections of culturable

organisms, replicable parts, cells and tissues as well as databases

– Exchange of materials governed by contractual agreements (transfer agreements)

– Compensatory liability regime-”take and pay rules”

Case Examples of Microbial Materials Management

CAMBRI– Common interest gateway (Linkages)– E-access to biological material

repositories

BioBricks– Biological (DNA) parts are made

available to the public free of charge currently via MIT’s Registry of Standard Biological Parts

– Collection of approximately 3200 genetic parts that can be mixed and matched to build synthetic biology devices and systems

– Unencumbered use of biological parts

Managing Downstream Assets

Eco-Patent Commons– Patent pledges of environmentally

beneficial technology– Non-assertion against infringers – 100 eco-friendly patents have been

pledged as of 2008– Motivation?

AlgOS– Open source initiative seeking

solutions to produce biodiesel from algae

Green Licensing

The Transition Point

HC, LS, HAEg. Genes, Proteins, Biological Systems

LC, LS, LAE.g. Biological Target Specific to a Rare System

HC, HS, HA E.g. Biological Materials, Tools, Drugs/Diagnostics

LC, HS, LAE.g.Products Targeting Small Markets

HC, L-HS, HA

TP

TP

HC

LC

HA

LA

LS HS

O, C, NE, EL, ID

NE, EL, ID

EL, ID EL, ID

Governing the Microbial Commons

Managing the Microbial Commons

Data Materials Management

Downstream Assets

Example MannDB; GBIF; Helicos Microbial Data.

CAMBRI; BioBricks.

EcoPatent Commons; AlgOS.

Knowledge Characteristics

HC, NS, HA HC, NS-S, HA HC, NS-S, HA

Knowledge Governance Strategy

Open Access; Use of Supporting Open Access Tools.

Open Access; MTAs; License Agreements.

Non-Assertion Clauses; Green Licensing GNU-General Public Licenses.

Pragmatic Outcomes

Managing knowledge assets within in the information paradigm and now convergence paradigm

Equitable access to knowledge Equitable opportunities to pursue

downstream technological opportunities– Private and social implications via

multiple products for the consumer

Policy OutcomesStrategic Issue Policy Implications

Enabling large-scale global research projects.

Federal policy encouraging the development of global teams with participants from the public and private sectors.

Need for access to complementary expertise and information.

Networks of collaboration.

Transparency of motives during knowledge production.

Establishment and commitment to rules regarding knowledge production.

Differing conventions regarding knowledge dissemination and appropriation.

Early establishment of rules to manage knowledge outcomes.

Future Endeavours

Analyze new case studies involving open source innovation targeting the energy and environment sectors– Evolving models of innovation

Creation of repository of governance strategies of microbial knowledge assets including any licensing templates, as has been created by BiOS and the Creative Commons – Ex-ante management of knowledge

assets