Unlocking Innovation: Why I Stand with Open Source Technologies

In today’s fast-paced tech landscape, the choice between open source and closed source technologies is more than just a technical preference—it’s a decision that shapes the future of innovation and collaboration. Personally, I have always believed in the power of open source technologies for obvious reasons: transparency, flexibility, and the ability to foster collective progress. As someone who has been a strong proponent of open source in my classrooms, I’ve witnessed firsthand how it empowers individuals to learn, contribute, and innovate without barriers.Take Tesla, for example. Under Elon Musk’s leadership, Tesla made its patents open source in 2014—a bold move that many thought would backfire. Instead, it sparked a wave of innovation in the electric vehicle industry and accelerated global adoption of sustainable technologies.

"Patents are for weak" ~ Elon Musk

This decision wasn’t just about sharing intellectual property; it was about creating an ecosystem where everyone could contribute to a larger mission. That’s the essence of open source—a philosophy that prioritizes collective growth over proprietary silos.

Why Open Source Inspires Me:

• Transparency and Trust: Open source invites scrutiny and collaboration, ensuring higher quality and fostering trust.
• Empowerment Through Collaboration: It breaks down barriers, allowing diverse minds to come together and solve problems faster.
• Accessibility: By eliminating licensing costs, open source makes cutting-edge technology available to everyone—students, startups, and researchers alike.

Closed Source: A Different Perspective

While closed source technologies offer polished user experiences and dedicated support, they often come with limitations—higher costs, restricted adaptability, and less transparency.

Building Bridges, Not Walls

As an educator and researcher, I’ve always encouraged my students to embrace open source—not just as a tool but as a mindset. It’s about building bridges that connect ideas, people, and possibilities. Open source isn’t just about code; it’s about creating a culture of shared learning and innovation.

So let’s ask ourselves: Are we building walls or bridges? For me, the answer is clear—the future belongs to openness.

#OpenSource #Innovation #Collaboration #Education

Woxsen University | Raul Villamarin Rodriguez | Pep Lluis Esteva | Daya Shankar Tiwari | Professor Amit S. | Amogh Deshmukh | Dr. Sarah Mariam Roy | Purushotham Muniganti | Vaishali Thakur |