We wish to thank OSI for its work on the development of version 1.0 of the Open Source AI Definition, including the countless hours spent on community outreach and discussions. Although some aspects of this version 1.0 text will require further work, in OFE’s view the spirit of the text is clear and sensible; this version 1.0 text is already sufficient to cover the main, real-world cases that exist today.

OSI has been the steward of the Open Source Definition since 1998 and the Open Source AI Definition is a continuation of this to address certain technical issues raised by AI. Specifically, AI models are different from software in that they don’t have a human-written form (“source code”) and they are created from training data which brings legal and technical challenges that are almost always out of our control.

Addressing this difference is complex because of the technical and social aspects, but OFE in particular welcomes the most crucial aspect of the Open Source AI Definition: Open Source is not a gradient, it is a binary. Where that binary line is drawn may occasionally need to be clarified for new contexts but attempts to blur the line by introducing gradients of openness would undermine the actual test: do we have the freedoms to use, study, modify and distribute modified versions? This has always been a question to which we give a yes or no answer. Blurring it would disrupt the open innovation cycle.

The Open Source Definition, applied to software licences, exists to ensure that anyone who receives the software has those four freedoms. The Open Source AI Definition ensures these same freedoms and binary categorisation via two requirements. The first is access and permission to modify the AI model. That part is logical but not sufficient because, unlike software’s source code, a model is not inherently understandable for a human. The second, more innovative, is a requirement for sufficient “data information” about the AI System so that a human can understand the AI model. This should enable a user, for example, to study the AI model for unwanted bias and to be able to understand how to modify the AI model to remove or modify that bias.

We are still in the early days of using AI models and the Open Source AI Definition is a version 1.0. Our understanding of exactly what “data information” is necessary will evolve along with the technology and our societal experience, but the approach is sensible and the current level of detail is already good enough to generally yield the expected result for current AI Systems.
OFE looks forward to continuing its work to increase the understanding of these issues in our ecosystem, as well as to continuing to work with OSI to review the suitability of the requirements in the Open Source AI Definition.

The post OFE statement on the release of OSI Open Source AI Definition 1.0 appeared first on OpenForum Europe.

Event intern CIP (Convention d’Immersion Professionnelle)

We are a small but passionate team looking to recruit a highly-motivated and driven recent graduate with an interest in learning how to organise and promote high-level policy events.

Deadline for application: 22 July 2024
Interviews will start immediately and continue until the vacancy has been filled
Start date: September or October 2024
Duration: 6 month with possibility of renewal
Contract: Internship based on a convention d’immersion professionnelle, i.e. CIP contract, with a monthly €1200 allowance
Location: Brussels

About OFE

OpenForum Europe (OFE) is a not-for-profit think tank which explains the merits of openness in computing to policy makers and communities across Europe. The openness principles which guide all our activities are: user centricity, competition, flexibility, sustainability, and the importance of relying on the support of a transparent and open community. Originally launched in 2002 to accelerate and broaden the use of Open Source Software (OSS) among businesses, consumers and governments, OFE’s focus has since evolved. The main policy topics that we cover are: Open Technologies, standardisation, Digital Government, digital platforms, public procurement, copyright, cloud computing and cybersecurity.

About the role

• Assist with the logistical planning and coordination of the event, including booking of a venue, arranging catering, and managing registration.
• Conduct research and gather information on relevant policy topics and speakers to help shape the event’s agenda and ensure its relevance to the target audience.
• Draft and edit event materials, such as invitations, programs, and speaker bios, and ensure they are accurate and professionally presented.
• Liaise with event sponsors and partners to coordinate their involvement and ensure their needs are met.
• Provide on-site support during the event, including managing registration, assisting with audio-visual equipment, and troubleshooting any issues that may arise.
• Support with the event communication and dissemination, including social media, email campaigning and production of visual assets

Requirements

• You must have the right to work in Belgium.
• You should be a recent graduate.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft and edit professional materials and liaise with high-level stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the policy topics and issues that will be discussed at the event, and a demonstrated interest in and commitment to these areas.
• Experience with event planning, coordination and communications, or a willingness to learn and take on new responsibilities in these areas.
• A proactive and flexible approach, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and adapt to changing circumstances as needed.

Please submit your application comprising a CV and a cover letter to jobs[at]openforumeurope[dot]org with “Event intern [your name]” in the subject line. Should you have any queries, feel free to contact us via the same email.

Research intern CIP (Convention d’Immersion Professionnelle)

We are a small but passionate team looking to recruit a highly-motivated and driven recent graduate with interest in contributing to policy and research work on issues related to open markets and open technology.

Deadline for application: 22 July 2024
Interviews will start immediately and continue until the vacancy has been filled
Start date: September or October 2024
Duration: 6 month with possibility of renewal
Contract: Internship based on a convention d’immersion professionnelle, i.e. CIP contract, with a monthly €1200 allowance
Location: Brussels

About OFE

OpenForum Europe (OFE) is a not-for-profit think tank which explains the merits of openness in computing to policy makers and communities across Europe. The openness principles which guide all our activities are: user centricity, competition, flexibility, sustainability, and the importance of relying on the support of a transparent and open community. Originally launched in 2002 to accelerate and broaden the use of Open Source Software (OSS) among businesses, consumers and governments, OFE’s focus has since evolved. The main policy topics that we cover are: Open Technologies, standardisation, Digital Government, digital platforms, public procurement, copyright, cloud computing and cybersecurity.

About the role

• You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of open source and digital government.
• You will directly contribute to OFE’s work, which is at the forefront of open technology policy and research in Europe.
• Your contributions will be part of a wide-ranging network of partners and contributors.
• You will work alongside partners from leading open source advocates, businesses, and foundations.
• You will also collaborate with EU and European Member State public administrations.

Requirements

• You must have the right to work in Belgium.
• You should be a recent graduate of a Master’s programme.
• You should have a strong foundation in research and public policy.
• You should demonstrate a commitment to digital policy and advancing principles of openness in digital markets.
• The ideal candidate is someone who cares about democratic approaches to designing and using digital technology.
• The ideal candidate is also someone who wants to learn more about the world of digital policy in Europe.
• You should be able to clearly communicate why and how you can help the organisation make a difference in these areas.

Please submit your application comprising a CV and a cover letter to jobs[at]openforumeurope[dot]org with “Research intern [your name]” in the subject line. Should you have any queries, feel free to contact us via the same email.

The post OFE is looking for an event and a research intern appeared first on OpenForum Europe.

The symposium offered the opportunity for critical and scholarly discourse on the European Commission study on “The impact of Open Source Software and Hardware on technological independence, competitiveness and innovation in the EU economy”. The symposium will allow researchers in the field to exchange on the latest Open Source research, identify research gaps and contextualise their research with the findings from the European Commission study.

Find more information about the symposium on the event page

The post Recording available: OFA Symposium 2021 appeared first on OpenForum Europe.