Hidden in Plain Sight: The Anti-Capitalist Potential of Technical Standards
Technical standards, like electrical outlets and internet protocols, aren't accidental; they're created and maintained by Standards Developing Organizations (SDOs) like ISO, ANSI, and IEEE through open collaboration, consensus-building, and public knowledge sharing. This offers a rare example of an economic system that doesn't rely on capitalism. Unlike patents, standards are collaboratively developed and published by SDOs on 'reasonable and non-discriminatory' terms, ensuring wide availability. The article argues that actively participating in the standards development process, encouraging organizations to operate within principles of openness, consensus, and a lack of dominance, undermines capitalist power and promotes information sharing as a public good, representing a practical anti-capitalist action.