European Public Recognition Scheme for Open Source SW and HW

OSAwards.eu: Boosting Europe's Digital Future Through Open Source Excellence

OSAwards.eu is an EU-funded initiative coordinated by RISE, with the goal of strengthening Europe's innovation capacity and digital sovereignty through open source excellence and knowledge sharing.

The project aims to create a long-term and sustainable structure to support and highlight open source in Europe. We achieve this through three foundational pillars:

• Public Recognition: The Open Source Awards (OSAwards)

This annual event celebrates the brightest minds and most impactful projects in European open source. The OSAwards are a prestigious recognition platform, honoring the creators and communities driving change through open innovation. Through a transparent, merit-based selection process, we highlight outstanding contributions – from groundbreaking code to innovative business models and crucial policy advocacy – while championing digital independence and Europe’s tech leadership on the global stage. We're dedicated to showcasing the individuals and teams propelling Europe's open source gemenskap forward, creating visibility and sustainability for open source in Europe.

• A hub for open source competence and strategy: The European Open Source Academy (EOSA)

Inspired by leading scientific academies worldwide, the EOSA will be Europe's lighthouse for open source software and hardware. It's built to inspire learning, shape policy, and connect innovators across Europe. The EOSA will champion the strategic value and economic benefits of open source, raising awareness among European business leaders and policymakers about its vital role in today's digital infrastructure and global competitiveness. The EOSA focuses on:

1. Learning: Building the next generation of open source contributors and innovators through dedicated skills development and education. We'll bridge the gap between the vibrant open source community and its application in Europe's industrial and public sectors.
2. Advocacy: Advocating for European interests in global open source dialogue and policy, to ensure Europe's voice is heard.

• Impact & Sustainability Monitoring

We're developing essential metrics and tools to track and demonstrate the tangible impact and long-term sustainability of open source initiatives. This includes highlighting the critical need for funding and encouraging increased investment from policymakers and business leaders into open source development and maintenance. Our goal is to ensure the enduring health and growth of open source ecosystems across Europe, enabling and advancing digital sovereignty, innovation, and a stronger, open digital future.

Our Core Values

The EOSA and the entire OSAwards.eu project are driven by these guiding principles:

• Excellence: Promoting and celebrating top-tier contributions in all facets of open source.
• Learning: Fostering continuous skill development and empowering future generations.
• Sustainability: Building an enduring institution and advocating for the long-term viability and funding of open source projects.

These values are also reflected in the four main categories of the OSAwards: Excellence and Achievement, Business and Impact, Advocacy and Awareness, and Skills and Education.

Our Impact

Through the European Open Source Awards, EOSA's strategic activities, and our innovative impact monitoring tools, OSAwards.eu will:

• Boost recognition, visibility, and legitimacy for Europe's leading open source contributors and initiatives.
• Strengthen Europe's digital sovereignty by promoting open and secure technologies.
• Bridge critical skills gaps and significantly build open source capacity across strategic sectors.
• Advocate for sustainable funding models and robust institutional support for vital open source infrastructures.
• Drive social impact by fostering inclusion, accessibility, and public good through open technologies.
• Empower a more competitive, collaborative, and socially responsive Europe.

By creating a lasting, institutionalized platform for open source leadership, OSAwards.eu is poised to position Europe as a global frontrunner in open source innovation, policy, and economic resilience.