Atlas of Ownership

The Atlas of Ownership is an initiative that aims to catalog and explore diverse ownership structures across industries, geographies, and societal systems. Maintained by the non-profit Open Systems Lab, based in England and Wales, the platform serves as a digital repository and knowledge base for understanding how ownership models shape and reflect economic, social, and infrastructural realities. It operates as an open-access prototype, inviting public engagement and contributions to its growing database. The platform categorizes ownership patterns into various themes, such as eligibility criteria, security of tenure, stewardship responsibilities, and transfer processes. Examples range from cooperative housing models, as seen in Denmark and Uruguay, to innovative mechanisms promoting community contributions and labor equity. These detailed analyses aim to identify and disseminate best practices in ownership, fostering equitable and sustainable development. The Atlas is particularly relevant in a European context, where a diversity of ownership systems coexists, offering insights into how policy, culture, and economics influence the distribution of property and resources. By shedding light on lesser-known models and encouraging participatory research, it supports efforts to rethink ownership structures in favor of inclusivity and resilience. It is also a resource for policymakers, researchers, and activists addressing the challenges of modern economies, such as housing crises and resource management. As a collaborative and evolving project, the Atlas of Ownership aspires to stimulate dialogue around ownership’s role in shaping fairer societies.