[keithpeter]

"Eric von Hippel of MIT’s Sloan School of Management has found that about 80% of breakthroughs in scientific instruments came from “lead-users” rather than the manufacturers."

It seems to me the main focus of OA is on enthusiast end-users or members of the public who become fans.

The 'lead users' for scientific instruments are the scientists in laboratories doing research. Almost by definition, they will be using instruments in new ways/pushing the limits and so feedback from them is critical to the manufacturers of scientific instruments. More like a craftsman/patron relationship.

Struck me as a different kettle of fish.

[xbryanx]

Similar to the IBM story. the principles resonate across different consumer types.