What exactly is Open Source AI? (Changelog Interviews #578)

Feb 16, 2024

Stefano Maffulli, Executive Director of the Open Source Initiative (OSI), discusses the challenges of defining Open Source AI globally. They explore the estimated value of open source software and its comparison to significant figures like Microsoft's market capitalization. The podcast explores the history and principles of open source software, the limitations of open source AI, the legal frameworks surrounding AI artifacts, and the practicality of open source migration. They highlight the importance and benefits of open source AI and emphasize the need for an inclusive definition.

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Introduction

00:00 • 6min

The Value of Open Source

05:46 • 3min

The History and Principles of Open Source Software

08:59 • 14min

Understanding Open Source: A Comparison to Starbucks

22:47 • 7min

Understanding the Differences and Limitations of Open Source AI

29:38 • 10min

Legal Frameworks Surrounding AI Artifacts

39:57 • 10min

Practicality of Open Source and Support for Migration

50:13 • 6min

The Importance and Benefits of Open Source AI

55:49 • 18min

Inclusive Definition of Open Source AI and Upcoming Episodes

01:13:35 • 3min

This week we’re joined by Stefano Maffulli, the Executive Director of the Open Source Initiative (OSI). They are responsible for representing the idea and the definition of open source globally. Stefano shares the challenges they face as a US-based non-profit with a global impact. We discuss the work Stefano and the OSI are doing to define Open Source AI, and why we need an accepted and shared definition. Of course we also talk about the potential impact if a poorly defined Open Source AI emerges from all their efforts.

Note: Stefano was under the weather for this conversation, but powered through because of how important this topic is.

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Featuring:

Stefano Maffulli – Website, GitHub, LinkedIn, X
Adam Stacoviak – Website, GitHub, LinkedIn, Mastodon, X
Jerod Santo – GitHub, LinkedIn, Mastodon, X

Show Notes:

Something missing or broken? PRs welcome!