Is Open Source Adding to AI Coolness or Complexity? European Companies' Approach to Open Source in AI

This IDC Market Perspective explores the growing role of open-source technologies in AI development, highlighting their benefits and challenges. European companies are increasingly adopting open-source AI for its flexibility, customization, and collaborative nature, with large firms and tech-forward sectors showing greater willingness. Challenges include support, expertise gaps, and integration complexities. The evolving definition of open-source in AI, driven by technical and ethical considerations, underscores the need for new governance frameworks. Technology suppliers are advised to support open-source adoption through user-friendly documentation, modular solutions, and robust security features."European organizations are turning to open-source AI not just to cut costs, but also to gain flexibility, transparency, and control over their innovation paths. This shift marks a deeper cultural and strategic change in which openness is seen as a strength, though it also demands greater responsibility, expertise, and risk management. As the definition of 'open' continues to evolve, organizations and technology suppliers will need to adapt to balance opportunity with accountability," Ewa Zborowska, research director, AI, Europe.