Open Space Discussion

Open Space: A Rich History of Collaborative Innovation

The Open Space format, pioneered by Harrison Owen in the 1980s, emerged as a response to the need for more dynamic and participant-driven conferences. Originally designed to foster open dialogue and spontaneous collaboration, Open Space has become a popular method for bringing together diverse groups to address complex topics and generate innovative solutions.

Core Principles and Rules

Open Space operates on a few simple yet powerful principles:

• Whoever comes are the right people: Trust in the passion and commitment of those who join.
• Whatever happens is the only thing that could have: Embrace the outcomes without expectation.
• When it starts is the right time: Be ready to engage when inspiration strikes.
• When it’s over, it’s over: Move on when the discussion has reached its natural conclusion.

Additionally, the Law of Two Feet empowers participants to take responsibility for their own learning. If you find yourself in a session where you’re not contributing or benefiting, you’re encouraged to move to another discussion that better suits your interests.

Session Agenda

Open Space begins with a brief opening circle, where participants propose topics they are passionate about. These topics are then scheduled into breakout sessions throughout the day. Each session is self-organized, allowing for maximum flexibility and organic conversation. A closing circle concludes the event, where participants share insights and outcomes.

This format ensures that everyone can explore topics that matter most to them, creating a rich, collaborative environment for shared learning and innovation.



Famous and Spectacular Open Space Sessions

One of the most well-known examples of the Open Space format was a conference organized by the World Bank in 1995, focusing on economic development in Africa. The event brought together over 1,000 participants, including political leaders, economists, representatives of non-governmental organizations, and local community members. Participants spontaneously created more than 200 thematic sessions, which led to concrete recommendations and action plans that had a real impact on policy and development programs in the region.

Another remarkable instance of the Open Space format was the Open Space Technology Workshop held during the 2008 Global Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen. This event brought together scientists, policymakers, environmental activists, and industry leaders to discuss urgent climate issues. Over the course of the workshop, participants generated over 150 focused sessions, leading to innovative strategies and collaborative initiatives aimed at tackling climate change. The outcomes from these sessions contributed to shaping key discussions and proposals presented at the summit, highlighting the power of Open Space to facilitate critical global dialogue and action.