Open-Technology Maneuvering in Digital Infrastructures

Abstract

Abstract Open innovation within digital infrastructures is fueled by digital technology commons (DTCs), open source software, open hardware, and other open digital technologies that can be accessed with highly permissive licensing conditions. This chapter describes four maneuvers ecosystem participants use to benefit from DTC projects: Supporting, Sponsoring, Siphoning, and Safeguarding. Ecosystem participants Support DTC projects by contributing to them. They Sponsor projects by enhancing their legitimacy. Sometimes they seek to Siphon the projects by extracting benefits at the expense of others. Such actions often trigger Safeguarding maneuvers against those who act against the interests of the DTC community. By focusing on strategic maneuvering, the focus of open source research is extended beyond community governance.