Open Source Summit + Embedded Linux Conference North America 2026

We’ve probably all had company leadership question the value of our OSS efforts. It can be difficult to frame the value in ways that resonate with leadership and clearly articulate the organizational benefits gained through continued OSS contributions. Taking a strategic approach that connects the OSS work with the broader goals and objectives of the organization can demonstrate the value of this work so that the organization can continue to allocate resources to the OSPO or other OSS teams.

Using examples from my decades of experience in OSS, this talk will provide details about how to demonstrate value by focusing on how your OSS work helps the organization achieve their strategies and goals. Every organization has unique needs and goals based on what they are trying to achieve, so there is no “one size fits all” way of demonstrating value, but aligning your OSS strategy with your organization’s goals and focusing on the most strategic projects can help show the value of your efforts. This talk will help you reason about how OSS efforts allow your organization to achieve its goals along with framing and communicating that value in ways that resonate with your leadership team.