Constructing the Genome Commons

Abstract

"Basic scientific research is often viewed as a public good: a non-depletable, non-rival resource that exists in the public domain. The vast collection of genomic data generated since the Human Genome Project, however, belies this description. This valuable resource, though generally accessible to researchers worldwide, is governed by a complex set of rules that have evolved over the past two decades. As such, the 'genome commons' more closely resembles a common pool resource described by Elinor Ostrom than a public good. In this chapter, I apply Ostroms Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework, as modified by Madison, Strandburg and Frischmann, to the genome commons and elucidate the stakeholder interests and negotiations that led to the rules-in-use, both formal and norms-based, that govern this global scientific resource. I conclude that a public goods approach to the genome commons, as has been suggested in some contexts, is overly simplistic and, if pursued, could lead to lessening participation in the creation of this valuable public resource."