Why Did Harrison Owen Invent Open Space Technology in the Early 1980s?

💡 The Answer

• Harrison Owen created open space technology (OST) as an alternative to pre-planned conferences.
• Traditional conferences had organizers determining speakers and schedules months in advance.
• OST instead relies on participant decisions made once they are physically present.
• It was developed in the early 1980s to foster more spontaneous and effective meetings.
• The method turns meeting planning upside down by prioritizing on-the-spot contributions.