Building an equitable digital world through collaboration
What does the future of tech look like? For Roberto Di Cosmo, it’s a world where code is preserved, artificial intelligence is ethical, and innovation flourishes.
Mozilla recently named the co-founder of Software Heritage a Rise25 Honoree in the ‘builder’ category.
His efforts, resting on a foundation of collaboration and education, demonstrate the profound impact individuals can have on shaping a more equitable digital world. Here are some highlights from an interview with All Tech is Human that touches on his journey, insights, and aspirations for the industry.
Roots to rise
His research spans logical systems, functional and parallel programming, and software engineering. A long-time advocate for Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS), he founded the Free Software thematic group of Systematic in 2007, directed the European project Mancoosi to improve package managers for large software collections, and established Irill, a research center focused on FOSS quality.
« Open source launched an unprecedented era of innovation by providing freely available and modifiable building blocks for almost all technology needs, letting innovators focus on the new value-added, instead of reinventing the wheel. But now applications rely on hundreds or thousands of external components, a software supply chain that has become increasingly complex and vulnerable, as acknowledged by recent regulation from the Executive Order on Cybersecurity to the Cyber Resilience Act. We must urgently secure the software infrastructure critical to our modern world. »
Reflecting on his educational journey, he cites a solid foundation in the classics though science was always an interest. His winding path started when he used the prize money from a national award for translating Greek to Latin to fund his first computer, a Sinclair ZX80.
One of the cornerstones of Di Cosmo’s philosophy is the significance of open-source software. He asserts that open source promotes technological advancement and fosters a sense of belonging among developers. Di Cosmo advocates for a global community where individuals from diverse backgrounds can participate in technological development without barriers. This inclusivity enriches the end product and empowers voices that might otherwise go unheard.
Looking forward
The recognition gained as a 2024 Rise25 Honoree from Mozilla serves as a personal achievement and a platform to amplify his message. Di Cosmo hopes to inspire others to join the cause of making technology more inclusive and responsible. He believes the tech community can shape a better future by sharing knowledge and inspiring action.
« It takes a unique blend of competencies is needed to tackle the complex challenges that we face when looking for “responsibility” in technology. A humanistic vision rooted in a humble but deep understanding of history and philosophy will help identify and navigate the multiple societal implications of new technological developments. A clear understanding of the power and limits of political action will help ensure that we set realistic and achievable goals for global regulations. »
His journey invites us to reconsider our roles within this ecosystem and challenges us to cultivate a tech landscape that reflects our shared ideals. In a world increasingly defined by its complexities, the true essence of technology may well be in its unparalleled capacity to unite us in pursuit of common dreams.
Catch the full interview over at All Tech is Human.