Constructing the Genome Commons

Abstract

In this chapter, I engage the theoretical framework of the commons (as established by Ostrom and later scholars) to elucidate both the structural and the narrative elements of the genome commons, the public aggregation of human genomic data. I chart the evolution of this public resource from what was initially a public domain vehicle established to deter the proprietary designs of emerging biotechnology companies, into a unique polycentric governance institution for the growth, management, and stewardship of a massively shared public resource.

Keywords: genomics, human genome project, genbank, dbgap, biotechnology, genes, IAD framework, commons, snp