OFE Lounge 2024: Standardisation and Open Source in the Age of Software Regulation

This session sets the stage for our discussions on regulation directly or indirectly affecting software and the role of standardisation in its implementation. It will cover software and software supply chain complexity, challenges highlighted by the AI Act and CRA negotiations related to OSS, the needs and expectations of policymakers.

Speakers

• Astor Nummelin Carlberg, OpenForum Europe & Knut Blind, Fraunhofer ISI 
• Emilio Davila Gonzales, Head of Standardisation Sector, DG CNECT, European Commission
• Mirko Boehm, Linux Foundation Europe & Jochen Friedrich, IBM

This session explores the AI Act’s implications for standardisation and open source, focusing on ethics in AI and the role of standards.

Speakers

• Antoine-Alexandre André, DG CNECT, Artificial Intelligence Policy Development and Coordination
• Dr Adriana Nugter, Independent Consultant and Member of IEEE Standards Association

Focusing on the CRA, this session will discuss the new requirements, guidance for adherence, and perspectives from open source communities and standardisation bodies on the software world’s needs from the CRA standards.

Speakers

• Filipe Jones Mourão, DG CNECT, European Commission
• Ben Kokx, Philips, and Convenor WG9 in JTC 13, CEN-CENELEC

This session explores the legal frameworks governing the collaboration between open source and standardisation, aiming to find innovative solutions for smoother integration. We will us the earlier sessions on the CRA and the AI Act as the starting point for our discussions and try to conduct a gap analysis for policy enhancement and collaboration improvement.

Speakers

• Mike Milinkovich, Executive Director, Eclipse Foundation
• Jamie Clark, General Counsel, OASIS Open

16:30 – 17:10: Topic 1 – “Short Term: CRA at CEN-CENELEC”

Session Leader: Dirk-Willem van Gulik

Discussion on integrating open source stakeholders into the standardisation process for the CRA, focusing on practical measures (mirror committees, specifications that can be fed into the WGs), and the engagement of external software expertise in general.

• What are open source stakeholders actually requesting in terms of attention and ability to give input?
• What kind of input, very practically, does CEN-CENELEC want in order for it to be as constructive as possible?
• How to practically include open source stakeholders as a recognised group in Standardisation Requests?

17:10 – 17:50: Topic 2 – “Medium Term: Revision of Reg. 1025: Different Perspectives”

Session Leader: Simon Phipps and Jamie Clark

Exploration of diverse perspectives on the revision of Regulation 1025, assessing its impact on innovation, regulation, and the future landscape of standardisation.

• What specific changes are stakeholders advocating for in the revision of Reg. 1025, and how do they align with the broader objectives of European standardisation?
• Should Open Source Software Stewards be recognised in Reg. 1025? How could it enhance collaboration between traditional and open source standardisation processes? What are possible risks associated with this?

17:50 – 18:00: Break

18:00 – 18:40: Topic 3 – “Long Term: A 4th ESO: Why, How, and What?”

Session Leader: Astor Nummelin Carlberg and Jochen Friedrich

An analysis of the potential for a fourth European Standardisation Organisation, including its justification, implementation strategies, and envisioned structure.

• What gaps in the current European Standardisation System could justify the establishment of a fourth ESO?
• Is a new ESO needed? What about reforms to the current three?
• What lessons from the formation and evolution of the existing ESOs should be considered in planning a fourth ESO?

18:40 – 19:00: Closing Discussion and Next Steps