Skip to content

Throughout the history of the Internet, most of the…

“Throughout the history of the Internet, most of the innovation has come as a by-product of efforts to facilitate communication within social groups of various kinds (academics, bloggers, peer-to-peer file sharing), rather than as the result of profit-oriented investment. Rather than taking the…” quote by John Quiggin
Download Open image
“Throughout the history of the Internet, most of the innovation has come as a by-product of efforts to facilitate communication within social groups of various kinds (academics, bloggers, peer-to-peer file sharing), rather than as the result of profit-oriented investment. Rather than taking the lead, the business and government sectors have adopted innovations developed in Internet communities, and realised significant productivity gains as a result.”

John Quiggin

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Innovation on the Internet often emerges from community collaboration rather than profit‑driven motives, and later gets adopted by businesses and governments.

In simple terms: Community drives online innovation.

Key Takeaway

Leverage collaborative networks for progress.

Themes

technology innovation community economics

Mood

analytical optimistic

Type

economic technological

When to use this quote

  • tech policy
  • business strategy
  • academic research

Key Concepts

open source network effects public good

Questions to Reflect On

  • What community practices spur innovation?
  • How can profit motives support open collaboration?
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by John Quiggin

Explore all 4 John Quiggin quotes

More Adopted quotes

Browse all 735 Adopted quotes