Impact of Wiki/Open Source Projects on Engineering

I've thought of many possibilities that open collaboration could be applied to. Some might be in the works already. I think we've just scratched the surface of where open collaboration can go. Flexible, high speed research and development is the way of the future, and in many ways, the way of the present. Here are a few ideas.

Alternative energy development. Can you imagine the power of Linux-like effort to develop alternative energy sources? Major companies could open their research to the public eye (like IBM with Linux). The combination of research going on worldwide could speed development immensely. Media-hype of various technologies could be balanced by actual scientific discussions open to the public.

How about development of a home router that anyone could build with the goal of developing a mesh network to replace commercial internet access?

A wikisat could be developed by amateurs and space industry gurus that would be free of the developmental costs and constrictions of most satellite programs (AMSAT does this to some extent).

Open discussion and scrutiny of public policy, organization, current laws, and proposed bills.

A law wiki where lawyers can collaborate on pro bono case preparation.

Anyway, just a few thoughts that have been running around my head. If you want references for how these types of projects work, The World is Flat and Wikinomics are great books.

The main problem with engineering is money.

When I want to build something, I need lot's of money.

There are some nice little projects going on but they never get out of the hobby range. Money to invest in moulds and tools is just lacking.

The Linux project is completely different: What you need to have is time, with time and good brains you can join and help out.

When I would need the material I have in the lab at home, I have to invest money than what I earn in one year. Just to be able to do what I can do at work. when I want to go deeper into some subjects, I need more and better tools and measurement devices.

a Wiki project is nice, but in engineering the final result can be taken in your hand or driven round the block. How to handle this over the internet?

Here's one - a Canadian project to develop a Solar Heat Pump Electrical Generation System - the SPHEGS project, led by Robert Rohatensky, an IT system analyst with an agricultural background living in Western Canada.

The project aims to create a new power plant design that will use a combination of solar and geothermal energy for use in more distant locations without polluting the environment.