Help Shape the Research Agenda for Open Technology

Open technologies such as Open Source software, open standards, open data, and open hardware play an increasingly important role in digital infrastructure, public sector innovation, and democratic governance around the world. Yet the research that informs policy and investment in these technologies is often fragmented and uneven.

To address this challenge, Open Technology Research (OTR) is launching a global consultation process to develop a shared research agenda for the field. The goal is to identify the most important unanswered questions, coordinate research efforts, and help guide collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working on open technologies.

As part of this process, OTR will host a series of roundtable consultations on 19 March 2026, with sessions designed to accommodate participants from different regions. These discussions will focus on identifying the most significant knowledge gaps and ensuring that future research supports real world policy needs, including areas such as access to data, economic impact, and long term outcomes of open technology adoption.

The initiative builds on years of dialogue within the open technology research community, including the Open Forum Academy Symposium, where participants have repeatedly highlighted the need to move beyond isolated studies toward more coordinated and policy relevant research programs. The shared agenda developed through this consultation will help inform future calls for research proposals and shape upcoming Open Technology Research Symposiums.

The Open Source Initiative (OSI) is proud to collaborate in this effort alongside OpenForum Europe and the Open Knowledge Foundation. As open source becomes foundational to public sector digital strategies and digital public infrastructure, strengthening the evidence base around its impact is essential for informed policymaking and sustainable adoption.

Researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and community members working on open technologies are encouraged to participate in the consultation process or contribute through the intake survey.