What is MetaCollab?
MetaCollab (metacollab.net) is a collaborative, open-access wiki dedicated to studying “collaboration” itself. Born from doctoral research by Mark Elliott at the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Ideas, MetaCollab aims to build a multidisciplinary repository about how people work together across fields.
Why it exists
While collaboration is widely celebrated, there’s no single theory or shared language defining it. MetaCollab collects examples, concepts, and practices—whether from software, arts, governance, education—to explore the patterns that unite diverse teamwork. It is itself an experiment in collaborative scholarship.
How the platform works
- Anyone can contribute—similar to Wikipedia—by sharing experiences or research.
- Articles explore collaboration across domains: technology, health, education, civic action, and more.
- The aim is not completeness, but growth—any author can develop, connect, or refine entries over time.
What you’ll find there
MetaCollab includes sections on “Collaboration Theory,” “Collaborative Intelligence,” “Collective Action,” and “Cross‑Institutional Collaboration.” It’s part wiki, part lab—where readers become researchers simply by adding what they know.
Why it matters
In a world striving for shared solutions—whether through open‑source, community design, or civic innovation—MetaCollab provides a thoughtful space to analyze “how collaboration works.” By aggregating diverse perspectives, it helps practitioners learn patterns, avoid pitfalls, and design more effective partnerships.
MetaCollab in practice
Mark Elliott developed the site as part of his PhD work; now, MetaCollab stands as a living archive that continues to evolve with its contributors. It’s used by researchers, community organizers, designers, and activists seeking to map collaboration across culture and technology. Its value lies in connecting ideas across disciplines.
How you can join
If you’ve been part of an unusual collaborative effort—say, a community art project, a grassroots campaign, or a cross‑team innovation sprint—then adding your story helps enrich the global conversation. MetaCollab is built by community, for community.
Final thoughts
MetaCollab isn’t just about building a website. It’s about opening up collaboration as a research object—studying it while doing it. That reflexive approach, treating collaboration itself as content, makes MetaCollab unique and enduring. For anyone curious about teamwork and collective creation, MetaCollab is an open invitation to contribute.
