The National Science Foundation (NSF) is investing in the infrastructure needed to support the growth of open-source ecosystems (OSEs) with its Pathways to Enable Open-Source Ecosystems (POSE) program. Launched to harness the power of open-source development for solutions to national and societal challenges, POSE focuses on establishing new managing organizations rather than bolstering already well-established open-source communities.
Catalyzing New Open-Source Development
Many NSF-funded projects already produce open-source products – software, hardware, models, data platforms, and more – that have the potential to drive further innovation. However, the transition from a promising open-source product to a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem requires dedicated effort. An effective OSE typically includes a leadership team, a managing organization with clear governance and a distributed development model, a community of contributors, and a broad user base spanning academia, industry, and government.
The POSE program recognizes that the intentional formation of managing organizations is crucial for ensuring the adoption of open-source products, coordinating contributions from developers, and ultimately maximizing societal impact. The program aims to support the creation of these organizations, providing them with the resources to build the necessary processes and infrastructure for efficient and secure development and maintenance of an OSE. This represents a new pathway for translating scientific innovations, similar to NSF’s long-standing Lab-to-Market Platform.
What POSE Supports – and Doesn’t
POSE specifically targets the formation of new OSE managing organizations. According to the NSF, the program is not intended to fund existing well-resourced, open-source communities or ecosystems.
This focus highlights a strategic effort to cultivate growth in areas where open-source development is emerging but lacks the established support structures needed for long-term sustainability. The program is designed to catalyze growth, not simply maintain existing momentum.
The Importance of Managing Organizations
The NSF emphasizes the critical role of a dedicated managing organization in the success of an OSE. These organizations are responsible for establishing and overseeing the processes and infrastructure required for effective open-source development. This includes tasks such as code review, testing, documentation, community management, and security updates. A well-defined governance structure is also essential for ensuring transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within the ecosystem.
Implications for Innovation
The POSE program reflects a growing recognition of the importance of open-source development as a driver of innovation. By providing targeted support for the creation of managing organizations, the NSF aims to unlock the full potential of open-source technologies to address pressing challenges in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. The program’s emphasis on distributed, community-driven development aligns with the principles of open science and aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across diverse stakeholders.
Recent Updates to the Program
Minor changes were made to the POSE solicitation on , indicating an ongoing commitment to refining the program based on feedback and evolving needs. This suggests a dynamic approach to supporting open-source ecosystems and a willingness to adapt to the changing landscape of technology development.
Connecting to Broader Health and Agrifood Initiatives
While POSE is a broad program, its principles of open collaboration and community-driven development resonate with initiatives in specific sectors. For example, efforts to improve sustainable and resilient agrifood systems, as highlighted by research on Leibniz Positions, benefit from open data and shared resources. Similarly, programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) utilize policy, systems, and environmental changes to promote healthy living, a process that could be enhanced through open-source tools and collaborative platforms.
The World Bank’s ongoing focus on global health development also underscores the need for accessible data and collaborative solutions, areas where open-source ecosystems can play a significant role. By fostering innovation and knowledge sharing, programs like POSE contribute to a broader ecosystem of solutions aimed at improving health and well-being worldwide.
The POSE program represents a strategic investment in the future of open-source development, recognizing its potential to drive innovation and address critical societal challenges. By focusing on the formation of managing organizations, the NSF aims to create a more sustainable and impactful open-source landscape.
