The Revolution Will Not Be Financed
The Open Source Hardware (OSH) revolution will not be financed by traditional funding methods. The OSH revolution will be financed by a unique funding model that Open Source Ecology (OSE) is currently proving by building and selling affordable homes.
Introduction
Open Source Hardware
Following on from the open source software (OSS) revolution, represents a transformative approach to technology development, emphasising transparency, collaboration, and accessibility.
Unlike proprietary systems, OSH allows users to view, modify, and distribute the design specifications freely and more importantly to be able to use the designs for commercial gain.
This revolutionary potential lies in the democratisation of innovation, enabling a diverse community of contributors to collaborate on projects without restrictive barriers.
This requires a high level of collaborative literacy.
It fosters a culture of shared knowledge, accelerates technological advancements, and empowers individuals and communities to actively participate in shaping the tools and technologies that impact their lives.
The OSH movement not only challenges conventional business models but also promotes a more inclusive and equitable approach to the creation and dissemination of technology.
Open Source Ecology (OSE)
Open Source Ecology stands out as a noteworthy initiative within the open source hardware field, embodying the principles of collaboration and sustainability.
Founded by Dr. Marcin Jakubowski and located in Maysville Mo, OSE aims to develop a set of modular, low-cost industrial machines essential for self-sufficiency.
These machines, collectively known as the Global Village Construction Set (GVCS), cover key areas such as agriculture, habitat, industry, energy, materials and transportation.
By providing comprehensive and detailed open-source blueprints, instructions, and designs for these machines, OSE seeks to empower communities worldwide to build and maintain their infrastructure, through immersion workshops and training programs
The initiative serves as a pioneering example of how open source principles can be applied not only to software but also to hardware, fostering innovation and resilience in the face of global challenges.
“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” by Gil Scott-Heron
The comparison between the Open Source Hardware Revolution and Gil Scott-Heron’s satirical poem and song, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” draws intriguing parallels between two distinct movements.
Scott-Heron’s piece critiques mainstream media’s superficial coverage of social change, emphasising the need for a deeper, grassroots revolution.
Similarly, the OSH revolution challenges conventional technological paradigms by rejecting proprietary control and fostering a grassroots approach to innovation. Both share a common thread of advocating for decentralised, community-driven initiatives that transcend traditional power structures.
While Scott-Heron’s work addresses media representation, the OSH movement challenges the very foundations of technology development, suggesting that true revolutions may unfold not in the spotlight of commercialism but within the collaborative spaces where ideas and blueprints are freely shared among a diverse community.
The Open Source Hardware Movement
The open source hardware concept revolves around the idea of making hardware design specifications and documentation freely available to the public.
In contrast to proprietary models, where designs are closely guarded, open source hardware encourages collaboration, transparency, and community-driven innovation.
This approach allows anyone to view, modify, distribute, and even manufacture the physical components based on the provided designs for commercial gain.
By fostering a culture of openness and sharing, OSH empowers a diverse range of contributors to collectively improve and iterate upon existing designs, leading to accelerated technological advancements and a democratisation of access to cutting-edge technologies.
Imagine thousands of individuals from all over the world from diverse backgrounds, different levels of skill and knowledge all contributing collectively to improve the initial design. This beats any small team of developers in the typical proprietary company setup hands-down!
It embodies the ethos of collaboration, enabling a global community to collectively contribute to the development and evolution of hardware, ranging from simple electronic devices to complex machinery.
Key principles and goals of the movement
- Transparency: Openly share detailed design specifications, schematics, and documentation.
- Collaboration: Foster a diverse and inclusive community for collective improvement of hardware designs.
- Accessibility: Ensure free and open access to hardware designs, promoting widespread usability and adaptation.
- Democratisation of Innovation: Break down traditional barriers, allowing a global community to actively contribute to technological advancements.
- Sustainability: Promote the development of environmentally conscious and modular hardware solutions.
- Empowerment: Enable individuals and communities to actively participate in shaping the evolution of technology.
Examples of successful open source hardware projects
- The Arduino platform has been instrumental in introducing open source hardware to the masses. It consists of an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software.
- The Raspberry Pi is a widely popular single-board computer that has become a staple for DIY projects and educational purposes. Its open design has led to a vibrant community, creating various applications and accessories.
Open Source Ecology’s Global Village Construction Set (GVCS):
- Open Source Ecology’s GVCS is a comprehensive initiative comprising various modular, open source industrial machines. These machines cover essential needs like agriculture, energy, and construction, fostering self-sufficiency. The set is not yet complete and is an ongoing project
- The Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) Certification program encourages and recognizes open source hardware projects that meet specific criteria. This initiative helps promote transparency and adherence to open source principles.
- RepRap is a family of open source 3D printers that can produce most of their components. This self-replicating nature exemplifies the open source philosophy, allowing users to build and modify their 3D printers.
- BeagleBone is an open-source single-board computer designed for developers and hobbyists. Its openness has led to a collaborative ecosystem, resulting in various applications across industries.
Open Source Satellite Initiative (OSSI):
- OSSI aims to create an open-source satellite platform, making space exploration more accessible. The project encourages collaboration and the sharing of knowledge in the aerospace community.
- OpenBionics focuses on creating affordable and open-source bionic hands. By making the design accessible, it enables individuals to build and customise their prosthetic devices.
- Framework is a company that specialises in providing modular laptops that feature open-source hardware modules.
- The Voron project is an open source 3D printer. The mission was to create a no-compromise, home micro-manufacturing 3D printing machine, without a hefty price tag, that was fun to assemble and a joy to use.
These successful open source hardware projects exemplify the diverse range of applications and industries that benefit from collaborative, transparent, and accessible development models.
The Challenges of Financing Open Source Hardware
Traditional funding models include:
- Venture capital
- Grants
- Government funding
- Philanthropists
Often relying on these sources of funding presents notable limitations for open source projects.
One major challenge is the potential conflict between profit-driven motives and the ethos of open collaboration.
Investors may prioritise returns, leading to proprietary constraints that hinder the free exchange of knowledge and design.
Moreover, the unpredictable and long-term nature of open source development may not align with the short-term goals and expectations of traditional funding sources, potentially limiting sustained support.
Additionally, open source projects may struggle to compete for resources against proprietary alternatives, as the immediate financial returns from closed-source solutions may be more appealing to investors.
These limitations highlight the need for alternative funding models that align better with the decentralised and community-driven nature of open source initiatives.
Open Source Ecology: A Case Study
OSE Financing Model
Seed Eco-Home 4 (SEH4) Business Plan and what is the SEH 4?
The Seed Eco-Home 4 (SEH 4) is a 1,300 sq ft, 2 storey, 3 bedroom home with a carport and balcony over the carport. The SEH 4 comes with a 6KW PV array on the roof with all fittings and fixtures in the house included in the sale price clearly illustrating that open source doesn’t mean lower quality or low standards.
This house will be on sale for $190K with a breakdown of the costs as follows:
- $60K in materials
- $40K for land
- $40K labour
- Leaving $50K in profit
In typical OSE fashion, solving the problem of financing the OSH revolution will be done by solving the problem of shortage of affordable housing. OSE is currently proving the financial model building SEH 4 for sale with a 6 man crew in one month. A house in the US typically takes 6 months to build and the median home sales price in the 3rd quarter of 2023 was $430K.
OSE sets out to prove that open source can be better, stronger, faster than conventional proprietary products.
OSE Revenue Model
By building better and faster OSE will be able to achieve 12 builds in a year making $600K which will be used to finance the OSH revolution, at the same time solving the Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) of affordable housing.
In addition to building 1 house per month for sale OSE will, in the time honoured tradition of open source, be teaching apprentices and entrepreneurs the building techniques and the business plan so that seed eco-homes can be rolled out at scale to solve the housing shortage crisis.
Currently in the US there was a 4.3 million deficit of homes as of 2021.
The Need for Alternative Funding Models
Exploration of community-driven funding approaches
The exploration of community-driven funding approaches reflects a shift toward more decentralised and inclusive models that align with the ethos of open source initiatives. Crowdfunding platforms, such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo, have emerged as powerful tools, allowing communities to directly support projects they find valuable.
These approaches leverage the collective power of individuals who share a common interest in the success of a particular endeavour, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement.
By relying on the support of the community, projects can maintain their independence and prioritise the needs of their user base, reducing dependence on traditional funding structures that may introduce conflicting interests.
The emphasis on community-driven funding exemplifies a collaborative and grassroots approach that resonates with the principles of openness and shared innovation.
Conclusion:
If, or rather I should say when, the OSE SEH financing strategy is proven, it will be a real game changer for OSH. No longer will OSH developers and the movement as a whole be dependent on handouts or grants that come with strings attached.
The revolution will have arrived.
In the meantime while we wait for the results from OSE, crowdfunding, grants and government funding remain the best ways to keep the OSH revolution alive.
