Release Date: November 15, 2005
Media Contact: Jim Duggleby, External Relations
E-mail: James.Duggleby@uregina.ca
Phone: (306) 585.5439
Mobile: (306) 536.4312
Fax: (306) 585.4997
Free Knowledge: Creating a Knowledge Commons
What is the "privatization of public knowledge" and what impact could it have on creating a prosperous and progressive society? Free Knowledge: Creating a Knowledge Commons in Saskatchewan will discuss these topics and address how the privatization of knowledge affects areas such as agriculture, health, education and government services. The conference will take place Nov.17-18 at the University of Regina Riddell Centre.

Computer Science Professor Daryl Hepting says, "Creating a 'knowledge commons' allows people to contribute and freely access information to promote innovations. This sharing benefits society as well as the economy," Hepting says. "Information must be widely available for scientists to use and build upon research findings and knowledge, but there are many barriers to sharing, such as in biotechnology and the patenting of seeds." 

Hepting says recent Supreme Court decisions regarding ownership of seed technology have implications for farmers' livelihoods and our food supply. In the healthcare system at times, profit competes with patient access, impacting care. The commercialization of knowledge erodes public education systems and affects universities that now compete with online institutions also developing courseware. 

Examples of knowledge commons can be found on the Internet at wikepedia.org and creativecommons.ca.

The conference is open to the public free of charge. It kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on Thurs., Nov. 17 with a keynote address from Brewster Kneen, founder and director of the Forum on Privatization and the Public Domain. On Fri., Nov. 18, there will be panel discussions, roundtable forums, displays, and networking opportunities. The event closes with a celebration of independent media with entertainment, displays and speeches; tickets for the celebration are $8 in advance, $10 at the door and $6 for students.

For more information or to register, visit: www.uregina.ca/InformationCommons/.

Conference speakers are available for media interviews. Please contact 585-5439.