Open Source Summit + Embedded Linux Conference + OSPOCon 2021

OpenForum Europe and Fraunhofer ISI have produced an ambitious study for the European Commission on the impact of Open Source Software and Hardware on technological independence, competitiveness and innovation in the EU. This study will guide EU open source-relevant policy for the coming years, but is relevant for jurisdictions globally. Our research indicates that the economic impact of Open Source on the European economy was between €65 and €95 billion in 2018 and in the same year, EU countries and companies made significant investments into Open Source surpassing €1 billion. The products of these investments are available for reuse to private and public sector and advance development and innovation. Historical data shows clearly that Open Source has contributed immensely to economic growth, but if supported with relevant policies and actions, it could boost the economic landscape even more. For example, if Open Source code contributions increased by 10% annually, the European Union’s GDP would generate additional €70 billion and could boost the number of ICT start-ups by 1,000. In this talk, representatives from Fraunhofer ISI and OpenForum Europe will share in detail the findings from the study on economic impact, case studies, policy analysis and policy recommendation.