Open Source Evolution for AI and the Next Generation

Explore the evolving landscape of open source in the era of AI and its impact on the next generation of developers in this insightful 35-minute talk by Nithya Ruff, Head of the Open Source Program Office at AWS and Chair of the Linux Foundation. Delve into the complexities of defining open source AI, the necessity for its evolution, and the role of Open Source Program Offices in major companies. Discover the benefits and risks of adopting open source technologies, the importance of deliberate project growth, and how open source principles extend beyond software to areas like social change and agriculture. Gain valuable insights into balancing risk and reward when using open source, the multifaceted skills required in the field, and Nithya's personal journey in the world of open source. Learn about the challenges of teaching open source values to new generations, increasing diversity, and the potential of open source to shape our technological future.

The state of open source today
Teaching a new generation the values of open source, increasing diversity
Open source AI, why we need a definition of it, and why we should insist on it or else live in a “black box” future
Open source is full of possibilities
What an OSPO Open Source Program Office is and why companies have them
Common open source questions developers face
How to balance risk vs. reward when using open source
Why most open source projects should not grow organically, and the value of community management
Open source is not just for code. Social good, agriculture, and other applications…
Nithya’s story: how she got into tech and why she fell in love with open source because it draws on so many skills, beyond just coding
Outro