Open Space Technology (OST)
Harnessing Collective Wisdom
Open Space Technology (OST) is a simple yet powerful framework used to run any kind of meeting or gathering. Participants create their own programme of self-managed discussion groups, ideas workshops and planning sessions, around a central theme, such as “what are the issues and opportunities facing the XYZ corporation or ‘community’ (neighbourhood, town or interest group)?”.
Developed by Harrison Owen, OST enables organisations and communities to operate effectively – especially in circumstances of escalating change and complexity – by generating intense engagement, high learning and genuine commitment to taking ownership of action.
It is a great way to make involvement and participation real, it is also an approach that works well when participants care deeply about the subject, when the task seems overwhelming or to encourage self organisation.
To find out more, visit the site, watch the following video and check out the other supportive resources below.
The Art of Hosting
Watch this introduction to Open Space Technology
Supportive resources
Harrison Owen (Creator of Open Space Technology)
- Open Space Technology: A User’s Guide (2008, 3rd Edition) – The essential guide to understanding and facilitating Open Space Technology, including principles, real-world applications, and best practices.
- The Spirit of Leadership: Liberating the Leader in Each of Us (1999) – Explores leadership through the lens of Open Space, emphasizing self-organization, adaptability, and emergence.
- Wave Rider: Leadership for High Performance in a Self-Organizing World (2008) – A deep dive into how leaders can harness the power of self-organizing systems like Open Space to navigate complexity and change.
Other OST & Self-Organizing Facilitation Resources
- Michael Herman & Harrison Owen – Open Space Technology: A Facilitator’s Companion (2016) – A practical resource for OST facilitators, covering real-world applications, challenges, and adaptations.
- Birgitt Williams – The Genuine Contact Way: Nourishing a Culture of Leadership (2005) – Introduces a framework that integrates OST principles into long-term organizational transformation.
- Anne Stadler & Others – The Tao of Holding Space: Open Space on Open Space (2007) – A reflective collection of insights from experienced Open Space practitioners.
Core OST Resources
- Open Space World – A global hub for Open Space Technology, featuring community discussions, event listings, and free resources for facilitators.
- Harrison Owen’s Open Space Technology Page – The original site by Harrison Owen, the creator of OST, with foundational materials, articles, and insights on self-organizing systems.
- Michael Herman’s Open Space Resources – A site run by OST practitioner Michael Herman, offering in-depth guides, case studies, and insights on facilitating Open Space events.
Facilitation & Self-Organizing Communities
- The Art of Hosting – A global community of practitioners exploring participatory leadership, including Open Space Technology, World Café, and Circle Practice.
- The Open Space Institute – A U.S.-based nonprofit supporting the practice and expansion of Open Space Technology worldwide.
Want more of this in your life?
Check out my events page to see if any public trainings are coming up.
Or, if you want to work with me privately (in-person or online), we can use it, learn it, practice it and find ways to integrate it into your relationships, work or personal growth journey.