"OSOR Turns 15": A Deep Dive into the Agenda and Speakers Lineup

The Open Source Observatory's 15th-anniversary conference is quickly approaching, and it promises to be a gathering to remember. With a comprehensive agenda curated to inspire and foster collaboration, we are inviting you to join us on the 21st of November in Brussels or to register for the live stream!  

 

A Spotlight on Keynote Speaker Francesca Bria 

At the forefront of our event stands our keynote speaker, Francesca Bria. She is the former President of the Italian National Innovation Fund. Previously, as the Chief Digital Technology and Innovation Officer for the City of Barcelona, Bria led the smart city agenda and co-founded the Cities Coalition for Digital Rights.  

An influential innovation economist and information technologist, she imparts her wisdom at several esteemed universities. Her roles have seen her consulting for the United Nations and the European Commission. She's an Honorary Professor at the Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose at UCL, London, and is actively involved in the High-level Roundtable for the New European Bauhaus, an initiative by EC President Ursula von der Leyen.  

Morning Insights: From Opening to High-Level Discussions 

Kickstarting our morning sessions, the European Commissioner for Budget and Administration Johannes Hahn sets the tone with his opening address, followed by an introductory speech from Veronica Gaffey, Director-General for Digital Services at DG DIGIT. Esteemed panelists for the morning discussions include Alexandra Van Huffelen, Minister for Digitalisation, Netherlands; Amandeep Gill, UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology; Bozhidar Bozhanov, Member of the Bulgarian parliament, and several others. Maximilian Strotmann, a member of the Hahn Cabinet, will be moderating, ensuring an engaging discussion.  

 

Afternoon Collaborations and Recognitions 

Post a networking lunch, the afternoon brings discussions on the collaboration on Open Source for a more Interoperable Europe. It will start with the presentation of the findings from a recent study on Open Sources Programme Offices in the European public sector. Diverse voices, including Nejia Lanouar, City of Paris CIO , Clare Dillon, Researcher at Lero, and Nils Masuch, Policy Officer at the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community in Germany, will share their perspectives. 

Celebrating the 15-year journey of OSOR and the role of open source in supporting cities and regions will be another point in focus. The day culminates with a spotlight on projects nominated for the OSOR Awards and the much-awaited award ceremony! 

Wrap-Up and Looking Ahead 

Concluding remarks will be delivered by Natalia Aristimuño Pérez, Director of Digital Services, Directorate-General for Informatics (DG DIGIT), European Commission.  

Join us, both in Brussels and online, on 21 November to witness these insightful dialogues and contribute to the future of open source in the European public sector.