Open Knowledge Definition (OKD) – Defining the Open in Open Data, Open Content and Open Information
http://www.opendefinition.org/

The Open Knowledge Definition (OKD) provides an answer to the question: what is open knowledge? It puts forward, in a simple and clear manner, principles that define open knowledge and which open knowledge licenses must satisfy. The concept of openness has already started to spread rapidly beyond its original roots in academia and software. They already have ‘open access’ journals, open genetics, open geodata, open content etc. As the concept spreads so they are seeing a proliferation of licenses and a potential blurring of what is open and what is not. In such circumstances it is important to preserve compatibility, guard against dilution of the concept, and provide a common thread to this multitude of activities across a variety of disciplines. The definition, by providing clear set of criteria for openness, is an essential tool in achieving these ends. The first version of the Open Knowledge Definition was developed by the Open Knowledge Foundation with substantial input from other interested parties. The project now has its own Advisory Council who oversee the development of the definition and associated materials. However as detailed on the participate page the project is community-based and anyone can participate. Individuals and organizations who would be interested in becoming members of the ‘Advisory Council’ and help ‘curate’ the definition over the longer-term are especially welcome. This has been added to Knowledge Discovery Subject Tracer™ Information Blog.