Invisible Code, Visible Impact

Over a 24-hour period, participants brought diverse perspectives to tackle the question: “How do we get people to use OSS?” The discussion began by defining essential terms. For instance, Open Source Software (OSS) was recognized as a complex concept, encompassing both technical and philosophical dimensions. However, the participants agreed that for the purposes of the challenge, OSS should meet two main criteria: full accessibility of the code and a license that grants rights to use, modify, and share it freely.

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The discussions underscored the need for education and awareness at different levels about the relevance, use, and diversity of OSS. Schools and universities were identified as key starting points, where students should be engaged with OSS tools, fostering familiarity from an early age. The group also emphasised the importance of reaching out to professionals and public administrations to inform them about the range of OSS options and their benefits, in order to empower them to make more informed choices in their working environments.

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Throughout the discussion, two concepts stood out in exploring the meaning of OSS: transparency and independence. First, the transparency of OSS was seen as essential for trust; open code allows users and third parties to verify its integrity and ensure that it does what it claims to do. This transparency also enables customization, allowing local organizations to adapt software to specific needs. Participants argued that if OSS is to be considered a common good, any derivative work should remain accessible to others, allowing for continuous collaborative improvement.

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Second, the concept of independence was central to the discussions about OSS adoption, as reliance on corporate software often leads to dependency on external entities with potentially conflicting priorities. The development and support of local OSS solutions was emphasised as a way of promoting sustainable local economies while ensuring that software reflects local values and needs. Participants noted that such independence could help Geneva build a resilient, self-sufficient digital infrastructure.

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For their proposed solution, the participants envisioned the creation of a public-private entity named "Libre Connect," that would be tasked with promoting and facilitating the adoption of OSS across Geneva’s public, private, and semi-public organizations. Through training, deployment, and ongoing support, this entity would help organizations integrate OSS into their systems, and demonstrate the viability of a transparent, community-oriented digital infrastructure. Additionally, Libre Connect would host an "OSS Clinic," a recurring space where Geneva residents and organizations could access hands-on assistance, from installing OSS on personal devices to transitioning away from proprietary software. Participants saw this initiative as the foundation for a more democratic society where technology serves local communities rather than corporate profits.

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For the hackathon’s final pitch, participants created a video highlighting both their solution and the critical need to integrate OSS into Geneva's broader digital strategy. The video presents a dystopian view of Europe’s digital future, where mega-corporations use centralized algorithms and proprietary systems to strip citizens of democratic power and local agency. In this dystopian future, Geneva stands as a beacon of digital freedom, maintaining economic autonomy through OSS and local infrastructure, while fostering sustainable, community-driven growth. The video identifies OSS as a critical element in preserving local control, protecting democracy, and supporting local economic growth.

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