We live in a knowledge society where we face two different futures: one which is open and one which is closed.
An open future means knowledge is shared by all – freely available to everyone, a world where people are able to fulfil their potential and live happy and healthy lives. A closed future is one where knowledge is exclusively owned and controlled leading to greater inequality and a closed future.
Large unaccountable technology companies have monopolised the digital age, and an unsustainable concentration of wealth and power has led to stunted growth and lost opportunities. When that happens it is consumers, future innovators and society that loses out.
We live in powerful times, where the greatest danger is not the chaos but to rest in the past. So we recognise it is time for new rules for this new digital world.
With inequality rising, never before has our vision of a fair, free and open future been so important to realise our mission of an open world in complex times.
We want to be global leaders for the openness of all forms of knowledge to secure a fair, free and open future.
We want to create a more open world where all non-personal information is open, free for everyone to use, build on and share; and creators and innovators are fairly recognised and rewarded.
We understand that phrases like ‘open data’ and ‘open knowledge’ are not widely understood. It is our job to change that.
The next 15 years and beyond are not to be feared. We live in a time when technological advances offer incredible opportunities for us all.
This is a time to be hopeful about the future, and to inspire those who want to build a better society.
We will pursue this mission in the following ways:
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People - Supporting people and organisations to create a free, fair and open future
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Places - Extend our global reach into new geographies and industries, in particular, health, education and work
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Policies - Having policies and procedures that support our vision and make us fit for purpose
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Partnerships - Working in partnership with others who can help us achieve our vision, and secure funding partnerships that enable us to be sustainable
Through this work, we want to bring people on a journey from first learning about the concepts of openness and open knowledge to becoming open ambassadors helping us to change the world. We imagine this journey as a continuum where different stages will be relevant and appropriate for individuals or organisations as they develop their skills and interest in openness.
If you want a fair, free and open future, contact us to learn more or support our work via a regular or one-off donation. To find out more about how we can help bring people on a journey towards understanding more about open knowledge, read about the Open Knowledge Continuum.
Legal notice
The Open Knowledge Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation. It is incorporated in England & Wales as a company limited by guarantee, with company number 05133759. VAT Registration № GB 984404989. Registered office address: Open Knowledge Foundation, 86-90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE, United Kingdom.