What is Open Knowledge?

New to the idea of open? Wondering what it is?

Open knowledge is a comprehensive concept that involves sharing knowledge in all its forms – from genes to geodata, from literature to programming code – so that it can be freely used, modified and shared by anyone. This idea, based on the Open Definition, provides an opportunity for positive transformation within our information society, where old hierarchies are replaced by agile, diverse, networked and experimental progress and cooperation.

In the context of our festival and movement, open means tools, knowledge and information that are freely shared for anyone, anywhere, to use for any purpose. Open has the power to change the world – it increases transparency, distributes power equally through open knowledge, generates equality and creates civic participation and engagement.

So what is the Open Knowledge Foundation?

The Open Knowledge Foundation is a non-profit organisation founded in 2004 and dedicated to promoting open content and open data in all their forms – including government data, publicly funded research and public domain cultural content. It is an international leader in its field and has extensive experience in building tools and community around open material. You can find more about us at okfn.org.

And OKFestival? How does that help?

The Open Knowledge Festival gathers together the open movement makers, thinkers, activists and researchers who will enable the shift towards open minds and open action. At OKFestival 2014, we will tackle local and global challenges, collaboratively advancing our understanding of the world, exposing inefficiency, challenging inequality and holding governments and companies to account.