“The social knowledge economy allows the empowerment of the citizen and to create wealth.”
Rafael, president of ASLE (Association of Free Software Ecuador) considers social knowledge economy is characterized by generating processes of empowerment and participation of citizens. As the knowledge a public good, it should not be considered a commodity.
How important are free technologies in society?
Free technologies allow citizens to have control over the technology they use. When technologies are not free, people or organizations that have developed control over users.
It is important that technology will serve to improve society and not that this is controlled by a few.
Free culture came into being after the emergence of the free software movement, using paradigms and free licenses. Is it possible to make the leap from free culture to free architecture, agriculture or free free economy?
It is possible and desirable. Among other benefits, free software allows users to empower and control technology. This concept is important to share in other areas of free culture. A small countries and citizens of the world at large should us that knowledge is a public good accessible to all.
How would you define the commoners, commons goods or ‘commons’ (most popular term in English)?
In my opinion, the commons are being built by several people and that in turn benefit many people. Free software is an example of a well PROCOMUN. It is usually developed by a group of people and finally a larger group of people benefit.
Could the Social Knowledge Economy be an alternative that Ecuador is weaving to capitalism?
I consider it is important not to use knowledge as a commodity. The social knowledge economy allows the empowerment of the citizenry and to create wealth.
What are your expectations for theBuen Conocer Summit from Quito?
I hope the cumbre del Buen Conocer / FLOK Society serves as a starting point for the country to move towards to a knowledge economy and social and seeks to have technological sovereignty.