The Tech We Want Summit took place between 17 and 18 October 2024 – in total, 43 speakers from 23 countries interacted with 700+ registered people about new practical ways to build software that is useful, simple, long-lasting, and focused on solving people’s real problems.
In this series of posts, OKFN brings you the documentation of each session, opening the content generated during these two intense days of reflection and joint work accessible and open.
Above is the video and below is a summary of the topics discussed in:
[Panel 2] The Tech We Want is Built and Maintained with Care
17 October 2024 – 11:30 UTC
Digital technologies need people to care for them and keep them alive. In a time of obsession for innovation and disruption, in this panel we will shine a light on the invisible but essential work of maintenance.
- Sara Petti – International Network Lead, OKFN [moderator]
- Mathieu Jacomy – Assistant Professor, Aalborg University Tantlab, and co-creator of Gephi and Hyphe
- Allison Pike – Co-founder, Infield
- Katharina Meyer – Director, Digital Infrastructure Insights Fund
Summary
This panel sheds light on the often invisible, essential work of maintaining digital infrastructure, particularly open source software. The speakers argue passionately that the maintenance of software systems, like the ongoing care of a garden, is crucial to the sustainability of digital ecosystems. They highlight the systemic problems that maintainers face, such as burnout, lack of recognition and inadequate funding, and call for a radical shift in how this work is valued and supported.
Emphasising the ethical and social consequences of neglect, and the urgent need for a supportive community and adequate funding, the panellists argue for a culture of shared responsibility and visibility. They urge both corporations and open source communities to recognise this work, to create supportive structures, and to recognise that maintenance is as critical as innovation. The discussion is a clarion call to action, emphasising that we must prioritise care and sustainability in our digital world.
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