Guest: Gabriele Columbro (LinkedIn)
Organization: Linux Foundation Europe
Show: The Source
Topic: Open Source

For decades, open source has been celebrated for its collaborative spirit. But according to Gabriele Columbro, General Manager of Linux Foundation Europe, its real power lies in being a positive-sum game — a system where everyone can win.

Columbro argues that open source isn’t just about altruism or public good. It’s a practical, strategic model that allows individuals, companies, and governments to pursue their own objectives while contributing to a global digital commons. “The very nature of open source means you can participate and contribute to drive your own selfish goals,” he explains. “But the byproduct is global innovation.”

This mindset — what Columbro calls selfish altruism — has enabled even the most conservative industries to embrace open source. During his time leading FINOS (the Fintech Open Source Foundation), Columbro helped bring more than 100 of the world’s largest financial institutions into the open source ecosystem. Convincing major banks to share intellectual property required shifting the narrative from charity to strategy. Open source wasn’t just about doing good; it was about creating value.

For businesses, this value might come from reducing costs, speeding up development, or shaping the standards that define entire industries. For governments, it’s about building sovereignty and reducing dependency on foreign technology providers. In both cases, participation in open source leads to better outcomes for all — precisely what makes it a positive-sum system.

Columbro warns, however, that this global model is at risk. As geopolitical tensions rise, some policymakers have floated the idea of regional or national open source ecosystems — “European Open Source,” “US Open Source,” or “China Open Source.” He cautions that this approach would fragment a system that depends on global collaboration. “We must not fall into the trap of balkanizing open source,” he says. “Keep it global, but use it to drive your own goals and values.”

He points to artificial intelligence as a prime example. In the AI race, Europe and other regions want to stay competitive, but starting from scratch — rebuilding the Linux or Kubernetes layer — would only set them back. “You’re never going to catch up if that’s your approach,” Columbro warns. The smarter path is to build on the shared foundation that open source already provides, combining global innovation with regional strengths.

Ultimately, Columbro believes open source succeeds because it turns collaboration into a strategic advantage. It’s not about who wins or loses, but about creating more opportunities for everyone involved. “That’s the power of open source,” he concludes. “It’s a win-win for innovation, for business, and for society.”