Abstract
Meyer, Peter B. (2007) "Network of Tinkerers: A Model of Open-Source Technology Innovation"
Airplanes were invented by hobbyists and experimenters, and some
personal computers were as well. Similarly, many open-source software
developers are interested in the software they make, and not focused on
profit. Based on these cases, this paper has a model of agents called
tinkerers who want to improve a technology for their own reasons, by their
own criteria, and who see no way to profit from it. Under these
conditions, they would rather share their technology than work alone. The
members of the agreement form an information network. The network's
members optimally specialize based on their opportunities in particular
aspects of the technology or in expanding or managing the network.
Endogenously there are incentives to standardize on designs and
descriptions of the technology. A tinkerer in the network who sees an
opportunity to produce a profitable product may exit the network to create
a startup firm and conduct focused research and development. Thus a new
industry can arise.
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