Masters of Scale Open or closed? The answer is both, w/Joi Ito
Apr 30, 2019
In this engaging conversation, Joi Ito, the visionary Director of the MIT Media Lab, discusses the critical balance between open and closed organizational systems. He argues that chaos can fuel innovation, drawing on his experiences with Creative Commons and cyber currency. Joi shares insights on navigating traditional corporate structures while embracing openness, illustrated by real-world examples like crowdsourced translation programs. Megan Smith makes a cameo, further emphasizing the transformational potential of collaboration in today's interconnected landscape.
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Nightclub vs. University
- Joi Ito contrasts his experience DJing in a diverse Chicago nightclub with the monoculture of the University of Chicago.
- The nightclub fostered community, while the university, despite its intellectual openness, felt closed to new ideas.
The Weakness of Exclusivity
- Members-only clubs offer exclusivity and predictability but limit exposure to new ideas.
- Scaling companies often resemble these clubs, hindering their ability to innovate.
Balancing Openness and Closedness
- No organization that's entirely closed or entirely open can scale successfully.
- Find a balance between openness for innovation and closedness for structure and control.