There are deep questions with regards to sharing economy and collaboration. They need to be answered. Perhaps the deepest question is how to juggle the need to produce meaning with need to make money. Working conditions on the labour market are worsening and entrepreneurs in Europe and beyond are finding it increasingly difficult to access capital for progressive causes.
Edgeryders attempts to address these deep questions. One of things the community is working on, is the
UnMonastery. It tackles the conflict around making a living and making sense by
developing a new culture around work and demonstrating that it is
effective. While it is a contribution to sharing economy, it was itself enabled by some sharing.
Edgeryders was public project initiated by the Council of Europe in 2011. When we realised it was so important in terms of rolling out prototypes and possible solutions and contributions to the sharing economy, we decided to make it company to make it independent from hand-outs. Edgeryders distributes paid work to community members by selling, authoritative and authentic advice to public and private sector organisations. It also serves as a channel for people at the edge of change to have voice.
Twitter hashtag for this session: #OSFsociety
