This book strongly advocates what it terms “the new era of networked science.” Networked science would leverage the potential of computers and networks to change the way science is done, and the way knowledge is constructed. The key result would be an acceleration of scientific discovery. Adding to the world’s scientific knowledge base sooner would have the obvious benefit of making pure science discoveries available earlier, but it could also lead to spinoff or derivative benefits, such as better healthcare through genome-wide research.

But while networked science, which might also be called open science, is already happening today to some extent, it is open to question whether or not it will succeed to the extent that its advocates hope. The main challenge is that scientists are rewarded (with things like jobs, grants, and reputation) for publishing papers and not for other ways of sharing knowledge, such as sharing data or computer code prior to publication.

The book provides a solid foundation for the case it advocates, with a discussion of collective intelligence first and then networked science. Part 1 is all about amplifying collective intelligence (the shared group intelligence that emerges from collaboration and competition among many individuals). Chapter 2 discusses the use of online tools to amplify collective intelligence. Chapter 3 discusses how to restructure expert attention, which is the key to understanding how online tools can amplify collective intelligence. For example, although one expert may be far superior and more knowledgeable on a general topic, another may have an area of micro-expertise that is necessary to solve a complex problem. Harnessing this latent micro-expertise can be very beneficial. This chapter also explores a number of other concepts to amplify collective intelligence, including online collaboration. Chapter 4 expands the discussion of online collaboration to include open-source collaboration, which leads into the need for modularity, radical reuse, and the information commons, including open-source code located anywhere. The author is very realistic as he discusses the limits and potential of collective intelligence in chapter 5. The effectiveness of collective intelligence depends upon whether or not there is a shared praxis, which is the practical application of a particular body of knowledge. Typically, science has a shared praxis, which is critical for networked science.

Part 2 develops the concepts of networked science. Chapter 6 discusses open data with examples such as the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, which is a survey of the universe. This chapter also discusses concepts such as the data web, which is a long-range view of the potential for sharing enormous amounts of scientific information, and data-driven intelligence--the ability of computers to extract meaning from data. Chapter 7 discusses democratizing science. This chapter discusses citizen science, where amateurs can play a significant role in scientific discovery, such as the Galaxy Zoo project where volunteers classify galaxy images. The chapter also discusses open access to scientific information, and the possible issue that, although information may be available, practical access is limited on a fee or subscription basis. Chapter 8 covers the challenges of doing science in the open. This chapter considers the possibility that individual scientists may very well not see the value of open science regardless of its intrinsic value. The book concludes with a chapter on the need for an open science imperative, and what it would take to incentivize open science.

Overall, the book makes the case that if the potential of networked science can be harnessed more effectively, the long-term benefits could be very valuable. However, the development of that potential is by no means certain. The author sounds a call to action for scientists, organizations that can affect open science (such as grant-issuing organizations, that can mandate more open access to publicly funded research data), and concerned citizens. For those who feel that this is an important issue and want to be proactive in advancing the cause of networked science, this book is very valuable. It is well researched, well reasoned, and well argued, with a proper sense of balance.