Open source has transformed the way software is developed and is driving innovation across the globe. Communities of dispersed developers are building on open source software to make it better and adaptable to new innovative uses. The Global Digital Compact and Pact for the Future emphasise the importance of digital public goods, including open source software, open data, open AI models and open standards, which empower societies and facilitate digital cooperation.
Supporting start-up ecosystems, particularly those led by vulnerable groups, also drives bottom-up innovation. Many digital companies have a dedicated venture capital fund. There is an opportunity for companies to channel some of that funding into promising start-ups whose founders are from vulnerable groups. Company support for incubators and affordable access to relevant products for start-ups can also help boost the tech ecosystem.


Research Guidance:

The company discloses a formal open source and/or open standards strategy, outlining how it uses, contributes to, publishes, and promotes open source technologies or standards. While many companies may document such strategies internally, public disclosure is strongly encouraged to support transparency and community accountability. The company must have a dedicated webpage or portal for its open-source and/or open-standards activities. The company lists or links to open-source projects it has created or contributes to. The company must provide a clear explanation of its approach to open-source and standards development. This may include policies on the use and contribution to open-source software by employees; the company may share internal tools, infrastructure, or support services for managing open-source engagement; the company may outlines key considerations for integrating open-source code into its own products (e.g., security checks, legal compliance, code review). Legal guidance or policies related to intellectual property, licensing, or software reuse may be disclosed.