Building in public is a strategy that forces companies to create true permanent competitive advantages. By putting their code in public repositories and exposing it to judgment from peers, companies are compelled to create quality and artful code. The fear of losing competitive advantage due to easy replication by competitors is countered by the fact that companies possess other non-technical advantages such as marketplaces, buyer-seller presence, and value that cannot be replicated with money. Additionally, building in public extends beyond code to include company organization and individual employees. By publishing salary formulas and creating transparency, companies are forced to attract and retain talent through a strong company culture, autonomy, growth, and purpose. These practices lead to the creation of durable companies that thrive in the face of competition.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building in public forces true competitive advantage | Shift from proprietary to public code | More transparency and emphasis on quality | Ego and desire to impress others |
| Technical competitive advantage is often temporary | Recognition of the need for non-technical advantages | Increased focus on non-technical advantages | The ability to replicate technical advantages |
| Building in public forces companies to prioritize exceptional culture | Shift towards attracting talent for culture and mission | Companies with exceptional culture | The desire to create an organization of empowerment and purpose |
| Sunlight as a way to forge durability | Emphasis on transparency in operations | Increased trust and durability | Need for durability and resilience |