In a new report from The Linux Foundation, Researcher and Ecosystem Manager Anna Hermansen unpacks the current state of open source AI adoption and its broader impacts across industry, workforce, and policy.

Defining Open Source AI: Still Evolving

Open source AI is not just about software—it’s about code, data, and model weights, and how openly those elements are shared. Hermansen notes that definitions are still forming across the ecosystem, with different frameworks from Linux Foundation, OSI, and others trying to align around what “openness” really means in AI.

Why Adoption Is Growing Fast

In the Linux Foundation’s generative AI survey, 89% of adopters said their AI stack is open source. The reasons? Cost savings came out on top, followed by privacy control, ease of use, and performance.

“Open source lowers the barrier to entry,” Anna explains—especially for small and medium-sized businesses or industries like healthcare, where proprietary AI solutions may be out of reach or pose compliance risks.

What It Means for the Workforce

The study also explores how open source AI impacts labor. While entry-level roles may face automation pressure, AI is more often a complement than a replacement. In fact, employees who acquire AI skills can command wage premiums of up to 20%, according to survey data.

“It’s not just about disruption—it’s about equipping workers to benefit,” Anna says.

Public Sector Implications

Governments stand to benefit significantly as well. Open source AI offers cost-effective, locally deployable tools—ideal for agencies with lean IT staff or high privacy standards. “We’re seeing growing interest in how public procurement can embrace open source AI,” Anna notes.

What Happens Next

This snapshot, commissioned by Meta and supported by advisors like Linux Foundation Advising Chief Economist Frank Nagle, provides a baseline to track the evolution of open source AI—and guide both policy and investment decisions going forward.