Ep. 4: Open Source Communities in the DPI Ecosystem with Govind Shivkumar

In this episode, we explore the intersections of open source software ecosystems and digital public infrastructures. We talk about the role OSS communities play in the DPI ecosystem, the need to think proactively about their governance and financial sustainability. All this while keeping their potential challenges and concerns in mind. 

Our guest for this episode is Govind Shivkumar from the Omidyar Network.  Govind leads Omidyar’s investments and portfolio in upholding governance and technology in the service of an open internet including Open Source Software, Technical Standards, Cyber Security, Digital Public Goods, Internet Governance, and Web3. He chairs the community of practice on disinformation at the UN Oslo Governance Center, is a member of the executive committee at MOSIP, and manages ON’s portfolio in this sector including organizations Global Cyber Alliance, Open Source Tech improvement fund, and Code for Science and Society, Center for Democracy and Technology.

Books and readings on open source software and DPI suggested by Govind -
Cathedral and the Bazaar
Open Road: How to build a sustainable infrastructure system
Avoiding the success trap: Toward policy for open-source software as infrastructure
Digital Public Goods: An Overview of Guidance for Development, Governance, and Stewardship

Govind's writings on DPIs
The growing demand for digital public infrastructure requires coordinated global investment and an ethical lens
How to bring inclusion to people who need it most