The Global A2K Movement: History, Impact and Future

Speakers

Yochai Benkler, Harvard Law School
Anriette Estherhuysen, Association for Progressive Communications
Michael Geist, University of Ottowa
Robin Gross, IP Justice
Konstantinos Karachalios, European Patent Office
James Love, Knowledge Ecology International
Moderating: William New, Intellectual Property Watch

Monday, 8 September, 9h30-11h00

In the last few years, access to knowledge (A2K) has become a powerful terminology in the global discourse on knowledge governance, innovation and intellectual property. The concept, promoted by a nascent movement, describes a set of ideas, issues and causes related to: leveraging knowledge to promote socio-economic and cultural development; enhancing participation of individuals and communities in cultural, civic and scientific affairs including efforts around digital inclusion; promoting and protecting human rights and freedoms; protecting and supporting the interests of creative individuals and communities; promoting access to the benefits of scientific progress; protecting and preserving the public domain to support creativity and sustainable innovation; protecting and promoting the special interests of people with disabilities, educational institutions, libraries and archives; and creating broad opportunities for individuals and communities to participate in the creation of knowledge.

This opening panel will provide an introduction and context to A2K and the movement that has coalesced around this idea. The panelists will also be asked to discuss the movement’s history and to, broadly, assess the progress that has been made towards achieving its goals as well as to consider the future of the movement and the issues and causes championed by it.

The questions to be addressed will include:

• <!--[if !supportLists]-->What are the origins and antecedents of the concept of A2K?<!--[endif]-->
• <!--[if !supportLists]-->How does A2K relate to development, human rights and freedom, poverty and empowerment?<!--[endif]-->
• <!--[if !supportLists]-->In which ways does A2K reconcile the interests of society, in widespread access to goods and services, with the material and moral interests of the creative and inventive communities?<!--[endif]-->
• <!--[if !supportLists]-->How has the A2K movement evolved over the years and what is its current status?<!--[endif]-->
• <!--[if !supportLists]-->How has the A2K movement impacted the way we think about knowledge production, diffusion and use?<!--[endif]-->
• <!--[if !supportLists]-->In which ways is A2K shaping and impacting international institutions and intergovernmental processes e.g., in WIPO, WTO, WHO, IGF?<!--[endif]-->
• How might A2K as a concept; as a movement; and as a global force, likely to evolve over the next 20 years and beyond?

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