Open source is no longer just a development model, it’s a strategic pillar of digital infrastructure. Today, the need for collaboration between researchers, engineers, and policymakers has never been greater. From regulatory frameworks like the Cyber Resilience Act to questions of digital sovereignty, interoperability, and sustainability, the decisions shaping open source are no longer purely technical: they are deeply political, economic, and societal.
The Open Community for Research (OCR), at Open Community Experience (OCX) is where game-changing collaboration happens. From 21-23 April, the Eclipse Foundation is once again bringing together a unique mix of developers, researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss and collaborate on the technologies that are shaping the future of open source in Europe.
Turning research into real-world impact
With a strong focus on European research and innovation initiatives, OCR highlights how open source is driving strategic autonomy and sovereign digital infrastructure across the region. From dataspaces and cloud-to-edge platforms to green IT and sector-specific applications, attendees will explore how open collaboration is shaping the next generation of digital systems, and how policy frameworks can support their adoption.
But OCR is more than a traditional research track. It’s a three-day gathering designed to connect academic research, public institutions, and industry innovation with a shared goal: transforming ideas into production-ready, scalable open source solutions.
Most importantly, OCR creates an unparalleled opportunity for technical expertise to meet policy insight – where both sides can shape better outcomes together. As regulation increasingly impacts how open source is built, secured, and distributed, OCR is the chance for researchers and engineers to gain visibility into the policies that affect their work, and for policymakers to gain a grounded understanding of how open source ecosystems function.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with:
- Leaders of major European research initiatives
- Representatives from the European Commission
- Open source developers and maintainers
- Industry practitioners building production systems
Workshop spotlight
A highlight of this year’s Open Community for Research is a full-day workshop organized by CEI-Sphere with the participation of O-CEI, COP-PILOT, and Rolf Riemenschneider, Head of Sector Internet of Things at the European Commission's DG CNECT.
In this workshop, you can expect insights into:
- How European policy is evolving to support open, interoperable digital ecosystems
- The role of open source in strengthening Europe’s digital sovereignty
- Opportunities for collaboration between research projects, industry, and public institutions
The presence of Rolf Riemenschneider, whose work has been instrumental in shaping initiatives around cloud, edge computing, and next-generation internet technologies, underscores what makes Open Community for Research so valuable: direct dialogue between those building technology and those shaping the frameworks in which it operates.
A community built on collaboration
At its core, Open Community for Research embodies what OCX does best: bringing together a community of communities to spark new ideas and partnerships. This is your opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, share insights, and help define the future of open source.
Join us in Brussels and be part of the conversations that will define how open source evolves, not just as technology, but as a foundation for innovation, policy, and society.
