**Who:** Technologists, designers, researchers, and civic inventors developing new civic tools, protocols, and infrastructure. **Essence:** _Those who experiment, prototype, and push the field forward._ Innovators are the technical and conceptual engine of open civic innovation. ### **What They Do** - Design and prototype civic systems, utilities, and protocols - Contribute documentation, case studies, and playbooks to the commons - Collaborate across clusters to improve interoperability - Integrate learning from Labs projects into real-world applications ### **What They Learn** - Systems and protocol design (modular, composable, inclusive) - Stigmergic and polycentric coordination models - Technical interoperability and civic data ethics ### **What They Contribute** - Open-source frameworks, tools, and civic utilities - Knowledge commons entries (guides, templates, architectures) - Working prototypes and proof-of-concept systems ### **What They Get** - Peer recognition and collaboration opportunities - Visibility for projects within a global field - Access to aligned funding via Foundation and Labs programs - A structured environment to evolve ideas into applied systems ### **Why Participate** - **Purpose & Impact:** Build the civic infrastructure of the future. - **Learning & Mastery:** Deepen expertise in systems thinking and protocol design. - **Collaboration:** Join a network of builders solving complex coordination challenges. - **Support & Resources:** Access funding, mentorship, and field visibility. **Participation Rhythm:** Variable — from part-time collaboration in clusters to full-time engagement in Labs projects. **Example:** A developer creating an open governance protocol that integrates identity, voting, and resource coordination tools used by multiple communities.