Has the Time Come for an Open Source Renaissance in Higher Education?

Thursday, October 01, 2026 | 10:45AM–11:30AM MT
Session Type: Breakout Session
Delivery Format: Panel Session
As institutions confront rising digital dependence, accelerating AI adoption, and growing pressure to retain control over their data and infrastructure, open source and open standards are re-emerging as strategic imperatives rather than technical alternatives. This panel brings together leaders from higher education and the open source community to examine how institutions can reclaim agency over their digital ecosystems while advancing innovation, interoperability, and student success. Panelists will share practical insights from past large-scale open initiatives such as Sakai, Moodle, and Open edX; discuss lessons learned; and outline a sustainable path forward that aligns governance, workforce development, and institutional mission. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of why this moment demands renewed investment in open solutions and how higher education can lead the next era of collaborative digital infrastructure.

Presenters

  • Bridget Almas

    Director of Operations Community Supported Technologies, LYRASIS

  • Josh Baron

    Development Officer, Apereo Foundation

  • Shoji Kajita

    Professor, Nagoya University

  • Jack Suess

    Vice President of IT & CIO, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

  • Ed Zarecor

    VP Engineering, Axim Collaborative