Under heavy geopolitical pressure, China is rapidly gaining independence from external intellectual property. This is evident in open source software, the backbone of over 90 percent of software developed worldwide. Initiatives like OSChina are spearheading technology internalization and driving local innovation. Is the European Union keeping pace? The world is rapidly fragmenting and becoming multipolar, with no space for the complacent. In the dynamic realms of business and politics, there’s no room for complacency-only proactive action will ensure our technological independence. The time to act is now.
Join us in the mission to secure European technological sovereignty! Your attitude, creativity, and passion are not just important – they are crucial. Your involvement is not just appreciated – it’s indispensable.
Open Source Software (OSS) and Hardware (OSH) are pivotal in shaping the digital landscape. A recent study commissioned by the European Commission’s DG CONNECT sheds light on their economic impact within the EU. But it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about the role each of us plays in this transformation. Here are the key findings:
- Economic Impact: in 2018, companies based in the EU invested approximately €1 billion in OSS. This investment substantially affected the European economy, contributing between €65 billion and €95 billion.
- Growth Opportunities: open source technologies promise significant growth opportunities for the EU’s digital economy. However, to fully realize these benefits, the EU must actively transition toward greater openness in its political and investment culture.
- China’s Example: with initiatives like OSChina, China is rapidly gaining independence from external intellectual property. The widespread adoption of open source software in China underscores the importance of technological sovereignty and internalization.
- Multipolar World: as the world rapidly fragments and becomes multipolar, complacency is no longer an option. The EU must proactively secure its technological future by fostering innovation, collaboration, and strategic investments in open source technologies.
- Collective Effort: each individual’s attitude, creativity, and passion matter. Join the mission to safeguard European technological sovereignty. Together, we can shape a resilient and competitive digital ecosystem for the EU.
Open source software lies at the heart of the Internet infrastructure, serving as the foundation for critical software components and driving innovation in tech companies. However, it faces challenges that extend beyond code quality and functionality. These challenges have geopolitical implications:
Security and Sustainability:
while open source fosters collaboration, it also lacks dedicated resources for maintaining critical components. Vulnerabilities in open source code can have serious consequences, as seen with the Log4Shell vulnerability in 2021; private companies invest heavily in open source development, shaping the ecosystem. Yet, this support introduces risks, as private interests influence governance.
Government Concerns:
governments are increasingly focusing on the cybersecurity implications of open source software. They worry about accidental vulnerabilities and code manipulation by criminals or foreign agents; The United States, China, and European nations recognize that open source is not just pragmatic – it’s politicized. Through their involvement, governments seek national security, international influence, and digital sovereignty.
Dilemmas for Public Authorities:
balancing the desire to secure critical open source components with the need for “sovereign” technologies is challenging. Governments risk infringing on the decentralized nature of open source; striking this balance is essential to navigate the complex landscape of open source software in a geopolitically charged world.
In summary, open source software isn’t just about lines of code—it’s a strategic arena where politics, business, and security struggle.