Europe's Software Problem - Bert Hubert's writings
a day ago
- Europe's communication relies on Chinese hardware and US platforms, leading to over-dependence.
- European companies rarely create consumer-oriented free software due to lack of vision and regulatory constraints like GDPR.
- Free software models rely on rent-seeking or surveillance, which European companies cannot easily adopt.
- Current attempts (outlawing data transfers, interoperable standards like Joyn) have failed to produce competitive European alternatives.
- The solution is to develop compelling free software funded by the EU, leveraging existing talent and open source.
- Major challenge: existing funding mechanisms (public procurement, Horizon Europe) are not suited for fast-paced consumer software development.
- New structures like contests or agencies (e.g., SPRIND) are needed to stimulate innovation.