Collaborative Innovation Networks ( COINs ) are online communities of ideas . The World Wide Web and Wikipedia were both developed by them . What connects Facebook enthusiasts in China busy translating the social networking site into Mandarin and a community of orthopaedic surgeons swapping ideas on how to treat spinal injuries ? Author Peter Gloor believes society needs to take notice of Web - based innovators . Benjamin Franklin 's plan for mutual aid is an early example of a COIN .
Collaborative Innovation Networks ( COINs ) are online communities of ideas . The World Wide Web and Wikipedia were both developed by them . Author Peter Gloor believes society needs to take notice of Web - based innovators . Benjamin Franklin 's plan for mutual aid is an early example of a COIN .