The Network is an ecosystem that provides conditions in which cooperation can grow, individuals can develop and ideas ripen to economically viable solutions that have impact for a better world for people and planet.

Anybody can work with the network according to this Community Framework in its current version. Collaborations are highly individual like in any personal connection of human beings. Nevertheless, we consider it useful to outline the major aspects of possible collaborations here. In essence, anybody who identifies with the values and goals of the Network can collaborate as

(1) an expert in the network,

(2) an associate for COBIOM,

(3) a professional user requesting the services of the Network.

These options are not mutually exclusive. Moreover, transition between them is fluid, i.e. the Network is build as a Living System with a gradient of interactions that in turn define the roles, not the other way around!

To join the Swarm follow the procedure outlined here.

<aside> 👩🏽 It should be noted that throughout this document the male form is used for simplicity; this shall not imply any form of discrimination and explicitly honours and includes all genders beyond the classical biological definition; it rather acknowledges the current developmental stage of language as we do not tend to occupy ourselves as linguists but actors between business and sustainabile development.

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The following document serves as a collaboration agreement valid for all members. However, it can be modified individually in an additional bilateral agreement. Such a separate agreement is signed and dated by the collaboration partners and this binds both sides to this agreement.

1) COBIOM expert

a) Expert in the digital community

By agreeing to this Community Framework in its current version, an individual joins the COBIOM Community as an expert. Experts can use the network for knowledge exchange or work on personal or non-profit projects for free. They are expected to actively participate in the exchange in the network according to the guidelines in the Community Framework. If the Network is used in any other way, the relationship between the user and the Network is that of a Professional Network User.

Revenue is distributed to the Network members that actively participate in value creation. The distribution of incoming value is described in "Value and Revenue". Contributors are primarily remunerated in this way except, if agreed otherwise in a separate bilateral agreement. All transactions are to be made as transparent and debatable as possible under the data protection guidelines.

b) Consultant

Experts in the network can be booked by COBIOM or other partners in the Network for a defined project. All engagements are agreed upon and remunerated on a project basis, no employment status is sought by any of the parties. The project engagements are clearly defined in a written agreement that describes timeframe, tasks, rights and remuneration. The agreement is valid when signed by both parties. The work as COBIOM Project Manager is remunerated as described in "Value and Revenue", if not agreed otherwise. An additional bonus can be added to the agreement in the form of a percentage of the net project value.

c) Content creator

Experts in the Network whose content is used by COBIOM are eligible for a financial compensation if required. They also keep full ownership over their Intellectual Property.

If content is co-created by an expert in collaboration with COBIOM, both can use it in any way and both hold 100% of the Intellectual Property. For more information on Intellectual Property see the respective chapter. Revenue created by using the content is shared equally (50:50) between the co-creators, if not agreed otherwise in written form. The shared revenue is determined and paid quarterly.

2) COBIOM Associate

a) Associate roles