Research, policy expertise, and advocacy to strengthen Open Technologies and the Open Movement in Europe
OpenForum Europe champions open technologies as the foundation for a competitive, innovative, and sovereign digital Europe that fully leverages the advantages of open technologies and supports the open movement. Our work addresses the strategic challenges facing Europe’s digital ecosystem – from interoperability and vendor lock-in to digital sovereignty and fair competition in technology markets.
We advance this mission through evidence-based policy advocacy, thought leadership, and engagement with EU institutions, acting as a trusted platform for convening diverse stakeholders across industry, civil society, and the public sector, both in Europe and beyond and in reflection of the global nature of open source collaboration and the open movement. Building on our deep expertise in open source, open standards, and open data, we ensure these principles are embedded in Europe’s digital policy framework.
The key pillars of our work focus on interoperability, open source adoption in the public sector, and competitive digital markets. Our advocacy is underpinned by commitments to digital sovereignty, technological choice, and ensuring that openness serves as a catalyst for innovation and economic growth. Currently, this translates into policy interventions in the following areas:
As a not-for-profit, independent think tank, OpenForum Europe seeks to act as a trusted connector of the people and communities behind the open movement. While we publish our own ideas and research, our philosophy is that much of the best work is already being done, which we just need to nurture it and bring it to the forefront.
This section serves as the primary hub for showcasing the output and activities of the organisation, organized into four key areas: News, Research, Events, and Projects and Initiatives.
OpenForum Europe (OFE) aims to be a trusted destination for research on the social, economic, and political impact of Open Technology – including (but not limited to) Open Source Software, Open Source Hardware, and Open Standards – in relation to EU policy impact. As regulatory changes, geopolitical instability, and misconceptions about open source’s relevance grow, there is an urgent need for rigorous research to inform policy and decision-making, as well as demonstrate open source’s critical role across all sectors. We call this Open Technology Impact Research.
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Upcoming event
13.10.2026
DATE: October 13
TIME: 12:00 – 18:00 GMT+1
Upcoming event
29.01.2027
DATE: January 29
TIME: 09:00 – 20:00 CET
