Welcome to Episode 48 of The Hockey Stick Show! I’m Miko Pawlikowski, and in this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Amanda Brock, CEO of OpenUK and a leading voice in open technology, open source, and policy. Amanda’s experience spans law, tech, and community-building, and we dove deep into the realities of open source, AI, and what it means to build a collaborative ecosystem.

1. Focus on People, Not Just Companies

Amanda emphasized that OpenUK is about bringing together people from all backgrounds, not just companies. The UK’s open source community is diverse and global, and real progress comes from connecting individuals, not just organizations.

Lesson: Community is built on people, not brands.Action: Reach out to someone in your field you haven’t met yet—collaboration starts with a conversation.

2. Openness in AI Is Complicated, but Critical

We discussed the difference between “open source” and “open innovation,” especially in the context of AI models like Meta’s Llama. Amanda explained that true openness means anyone can use and share code freely, but many new licenses add friction.

Lesson: Don’t take “open” at face value—read the fine print.Action: Next time you use an “open” tool, check the license and see what you’re really allowed to do.

3. The UK’s Role in Open Source Is Bigger Than You Think

Amanda shared that the UK leads Europe in open source contributors, but most projects are small and globally connected. The focus isn’t on “UK projects,” but on people who choose to live and work here.

Lesson: Impact isn’t about ownership—it’s about contribution.Action: Contribute to a global project, even if it’s just a small fix or a comment.

4. Funding and Culture Shape Innovation

We talked about why so many open source companies and talent move to the US: better funding terms, risk-taking culture, and strong local networks. The UK and Europe have the talent, but need to foster environments that reward experimentation and accept failure.

Lesson: Innovation thrives where risk is embraced.Action: Try something new in your work—even if it might fail, you’ll learn more than by playing it safe.

5. The Future of AI and Openness Is Global

Amanda’s final message: the future of AI and open tech isn’t just about national interests or big companies—it’s about global collaboration, access, and making sure everyone can benefit from new technology.

Lesson: The best solutions come from working together across borders.Action: Share your knowledge and support open access, wherever you are.

A final Thought from me

Talking with Amanda was a reminder that technology is about people, policy, and the choices we make together. If you take one thing from this episode: be open, stay curious, and connect with your community.

Thanks for listening!