Based on a set of assumptions about learning that are like learning sets - but focussing more on large group interactions - Open Space Technology is a method for groups of people to develop knowledge about one or more challenges facing the group in a relatively short space of time. It requires little preparation beforehand because topics are advanced during the session by group members. It can also be used to organise research days where research topics are not selected in advance, but chosen on the day.

World Cafe, on the other hand, revolves around well-defined topics or questions selected in advance. These could be set 'top-down' by an entrepreneur, manager or 'bottom-up' using a group process like OPERA (see below).

In a FairShares Lab context, Open Space fits well with the participant-led (user- led) selection of ideas, and both Open Space and World Cafe are good for breaking down an issue into sub-topics for small group discussion. If used to support enterprise creation, notetakers (with a camera) can capture the results of sub-groups' deliberations and create a conference report quickly. With appropriate resourcing, Open Space and World Cafe can generate responses to complex problems in a short space of time. Their strength lies in support for intensive engaging discussion in small groups.