Open Source Summit + Embedded Linux Conference North America 2026

In its fourth year, the State of Tech Talent report is now a landmark in the Linux Foundation’s research program. The report provides key insights for employers and practitioners to gain a realistic understanding of the talent landscape as it flexes to meet technical priorities for the current and upcoming years. The 2026 study, which will go live at Open Source Summit North America, examines the survey’s findings on which skills are truly influencing hiring decisions, what current hiring and skilling expectations are, and how AI and emerging technologies are impacting roles and career paths.

In this fireside chat, Anna Hermansen from LF Research and Clyde Seepersad from LF Education will discuss the survey findings from the wider perspective of their work and communities. Anna will review how recent LF research on AI, cloud native, and the Cyber Resiliency Act provides added insight into the tech talent market, and Clyde will lend his training expertise as SVP and general manager of the Linux Foundation’s education program. Both aim to provide wider context to frame the survey findings and distill for audience members the key takeaways to prepare for talent needs this year.