Charlotte Hess, Elinor Ostrom (Understanding Knowledge as a Commons)

One of the truly important findings in the traditional commons research was the identification of design principles of robust, long-enduring, common-pool resource institutions (Ostrom 1990, 90-102). These principles are:

• Clearly defined boundaries should be in place.
• Rules in use are well matched to local needs and conditions.
• Individuals affected by these rules can usually participate in modifying the rules.
• The right of community members to devise their own rules is respected by external authorities.
• A system for self-monitoring members' behavior has been established.
• A graduated system of sanctions is available.
• Community members have access to low-cost conflict-resolution mechanisms.
• Nested enterprises - that is, appropriation, provision, monitoring and sanctioning, conflict resolution, and other governance activities - are organized in a nested structure with multiple layers of activities.