Wikimedia Deutschland, founded in 2004 by passionate Wikipedia volunteers, is committed to promoting free knowledge. With a community of more than 110,000 members and a dedicated staff of 180, the organization plays a crucial role in public outreach and the development of Wikidata, which has over 100 million data objects. Their efforts extend beyond mere data collection; they advocate for open science, education, and culture, while also working to enhance political frameworks that support free access to knowledge. However, with such a broad scope of activities, Wikimedia Deutschland faces a range of complex technological, societal, and operational challenges.
Our team in Berlin stepped in to develop a state-of-the-art risk management system tailored to the unique needs of Wikimedia Deutschland. Over the course of seven weeks, we defined what risk means for the organization, established a clear risk taxonomy, and crafted a comprehensive risk management process. Through numerous interviews, an extensive review of internal documents, and leveraging industry expertise, we formed a multifaceted approach that integrates seamlessly into Wikimedia Deutschland’s operations.
It was great working with Oliver Wyman. We achieved results that align well with our organization. I believe a key factor was that the team genuinely understood our culture and the situation we were facingDr Christian Homborg, Executive Board Member, Wikimedia Deutschland
This strategic project has significantly bolstered Wikimedia Deutschland’s mission to promote free knowledge, equality, and transparency by enhancing its resilience through a robust risk management framework. This framework empowers the organization to adeptly navigate challenges posed by rapid technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence, as well as evolving user interfaces. By professionalizing the risk management process, we have equipped Wikimedia Deutschland with the necessary tools and processes for effective risk management both now and in the future.
Working with Wikimedia was an enriching experience. We were able to give something back to the community behind Wikipedia and help the organization build a robust risk management systemThomas Schnarr, Partner and Head of Corporate Risk and Resilience, Oliver Wyman
The immediate impact of our work will be evident through the establishment of a governance structure, including a dedicated risk oversight committee. This committee will ensure prompt implementation of risk strategies and foster a culture of proactive risk mitigation across the organization. Ultimately, this initiative will allow for more informed decision-making, ensuring Wikimedia Deutschland’s continued relevance and visibility in the ever-evolving landscape of free knowledge advocacy.
It was an exhilarating experience to share our expertise with an organization from which I have gained so much as a student. Collaborating with such a motivated team and client to develop pragmatic solutions has been truly wonderfulJoel Hawle, Senior Consultant, Oliver Wyman