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

Publisher IDC
Published May 27, 2025
Length 21 Pages
SKU # IDC20068528

Description

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.

Table of Contents

21 Pages

Executive Snapshot

New Market Developments and Dynamics

The Evolving Role of Open Source in AI Development

European Companies' Willingness to Adopt Open-Source AI

Willingness to Adopt Open-Source Technologies in AI Development

Motivations for Using Open-Source AI Models and Toolkits

Open Source Challenges

Lack of Formal Support and Expertise Gaps

Model Quality and Bias Concerns

Resource Demands for Ongoing Maintenance and Upgrades

Integration and Infrastructure Complexity

Security and Compliance Risks

Unpredictable Licensing and Legal Risks

Approaches to Sourcing Open Technologies in AI

Will Open Source in AI Remain the Open Source as We Know It?

Specificity of AI Technologies

Evolving Open-Source Definitions in AI

The Impact of Permissive Open-Source Licensing on AI Research

Advice for the Technology Suppliers

Not All Suppliers Will Play the Same Role

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