Ask Nanodot: Open Sourcing Nanotechnology

from the safety-through-openness dept.
Senior Associate BryanBruns writes "I've posted a working draft of a paper on "Open Sourcing Nanotechnology" that I'm preparing for a poster presentation at the November MNT Conference. I've found a lot of interesting stuff, which I try to lay out in the paper, but have some questions where I'd like to ask what ideas and suggestions others may have…[see "Read More" for the specific questions and an abstract]…I'm coming at this as a sociologist, with some background in economics and computers, but not an expert in nanoscience. I'd welcome comments, either directly to me ([email protected]), or here on Nanodot if you think they would be of general interest. The NanoCAD mailing list offers a continuing forum for discussion of molecular modeling software." Read more for the full post. Senior Associate BryanBruns writes "I've posted a working draft of a paper on "Open Sourcing Nanotechnology" that I'm preparing for a poster presentation at the November MNT Conference. I've found a lot of interesting stuff, which I try to lay out in the paper, but have some questions where I'd like to ask what ideas and suggestions others may have:

1. These is plenty of information on the web about molecular modeling software, but I'd be interested in pointers to good comparative reviews of such software, especially if they discuss licensing. Similarly, I'd be interested in any reviews of the current situation with open hardware and patent licensing.
2. Are there industrial consortia currently active in nanoscience R&D?
3. What is the cost of an AFM? What are the prospects for "homebrew" hobbyist access to MNT equipment?
4. Would clearer ideas about potential system architecture for MNT be useful, or is it too soon for such discussion? (Architecture might include abstractions analogous to the Unix kernel, programming languages, APIs or the internet transport layers.)
5. Have the discussions on the Foresight MNT guidelines addressed the possibilities of more formal self-governance structures, e.g. along the lines of the internet committees and requests for comments?
6. What could be done to make open source efforts in molecular modeling software more successful?

Open Sourcing Nanotechnology: Some Considerations

Abstract: The prominent role of software in nanotechnology research and development suggests that open source development methods might offer advantages in improving reliability, performance and accessibility. Open source approaches have demonstrated new opportunities for coordinating collective action to create intellectual common property. Many companies currently associated with nanotechnology produce materials, equipment, and research and development services, all of which could be compatible with open source business models, however no company yet emphasizes an open source strategy. Some molecular modeling software is already open source or public domain. Software for molecular engineering constitutes an important opportunity for open sourcing. Analysis suggests that the net impact of open sourcing would be to enhance safety. Initiatives for open sourcing of molecular nanotechnology could be strengthened by coalition building and appropriate strategies for open source licensing of copyrights and patents.

I'm coming at this as a sociologist, with some background in economics and computers, but not an expert in nanoscience. I'd welcome comments, either directly to me ([email protected]), or here on Nanodot if you think they would be of general interest. The NanoCAD mailing list offers a continuing forum for discussion of molecular modeling software."