Cultures of science and technology in the trading zone: Biodiversity and open source development

Abstract

This paper explores the work of building open source biodiversity information infrastructure. We analyse collaboration between a Canadian team and a Brazilian one. In particular we focus on the use of WingLongitude, a GitHub space, as a trading zone within which the two teams co-developed solutions. We show how the choice to work in a neutral space, belonging to everyone, and the use of display, representation and assemblage practices enabled sharing of some infrastructural elements, while maintaining other specificities that best suit their diverse cultures. Working together in this trading zone appears as both a practical accomplishment and a commitment to shared ideals.