Open source is either entering a new phase or is at a breaking point. For the next 20 years to be as successful as the last, we need to shift our mindset. We cannot treat open source like a startup anymore, surviving on pizza and maintainer burnout. Sponsorship and patronage models are not sustainable business models. So, what’s next?

Proprietary software vendors are winning pitches in government and other spaces that should be no-brainers for open source solutions. To counter this, we must educate stakeholders about open source’s fundamental freedoms, business advantages, and potential to create positive change economically and socially. Open source needs to be the default choice—as a unified brand—followed by choosing a specific project, not the other way around.

Developers and companies take FOSS for granted, assuming it’s “just there” like public infrastructure. However, open source is “free as in puppy,” not “free as in free lunch.” We must change this mindset to foster collaborative support for sustainable open source practices. Additionally, we lack universal sustainability best practices for maintainers and projects of all sizes.

In this session, we will explore what the next phase of open source could look like. We’ll discuss future governance models and the creation of an open source sustainability toolkit, offering standardized best practices, funding models, and community support structures. Join us as we look back at our origins and examine how to protect, respect, and promote open source moving forward.

##Audience Takeaways
- Understand the importance of promoting “Open Source” as a unified brand to compete against proprietary systems.

- Learn strategies to shift the mindset around open source, highlighting its responsibilities and potential for positive change.

- Explore ideas for developing universal sustainability practices for FOSS projects of all sizes.

- Gain insights into governance models and tools to support the next phase of open source sustainability.

##Synopsis
Open source is at a turning point. To ensure its next 20 years of success, we need sustainable practices, stronger branding, and better education on its values. This session explores how to educate, develop support structures, and create a unified vision to protect and promote open source’s future.