Macrowikinomics | Frozen Oil

The idea of mass collaboration and transparency is eloquently articulated in Macrowikinomics by way of the “frozen oil” anecdote. The Oil Spill Recovery Institute (OSRI), “tasked by Congress with the responsibility of cleaning up the Exxon Valdez oil spill off the coast of Alaska,” had been trying to figure out how to remove frozen oil from the seafloor. They launched a challenge via InnoCentive and John Davis, a construction engineer, offered a solution. The OSRI received a solution and John Davis received a $20,000 award for this contribution.

The difference between this and anything like it of years past is the spirit, intent and the platform. The extent of the challenge’s exposure is greater than it ever could have been in the past. The open collaboration was wider than ever before.

I personally consider the possibility of a pendulum effect between contribution and compensation in the near future and perhaps beyond. The spirit of collaboration and contribution in this case cannot be driven solely by compensation. Of thousands of contributors, only one award for this challenge was given. There is nothing wrong with putting out a challenge and taking ideas from willing participants, but this may not be enough to radically change the world. Macrowikinomics does not at all suggest that monitory incentives are enough, but I consider the market capable of tiring from the alternative rewards such as reputation and a feeling of contribution. There will always be solution contributing participants at InnoCentive, but there is a boundary. And is that boundary widening enough to solve all the worlds ailments?

And is the spirit prepared to withstand the few who will exploit others and those who will game the system and sour the pot for all?