Dr Sachiko Muto

Sachiko Muto is a prominent figure in the open-source and digital policy landscape, known for her leadership and advocacy in promoting open technologies across Europe and beyond. In recognition of her significant contributions to the tech community, she has been selected to join the Board of Directors of the Drupal Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering and supporting the Drupal open-source project.

Professional Background

Sachiko serves as the Chairperson of OpenForum Europe (OFE), a Brussels-based think tank that champions openness in computing through open standards, open-source software, and open hardware. Under her leadership, OFE engages with policymakers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to influence digital policies that encourage innovation, competition, and user empowerment. She originally joined OFE in 2007 and served for several years as Director with responsibility for government relations and then as CEO. 

With a strong background in public policy and technology, Sachiko has been instrumental in shaping discussions around digital sovereignty, data interoperability, and the ethical use of emerging technologies. Her expertise bridges the gap between technical communities and legislative bodies, ensuring that the principles of openness are integrated into digital transformation initiatives.

Selection to the Drupal Association Board

Sachiko's appointment to the Drupal Association Board marks a significant addition to the organization's leadership. Her experience in policy advocacy and community engagement is expected to bring valuable insights to the Drupal project, which powers millions of websites worldwide. As a board member, she will contribute to strategic decisions that guide the project's growth, sustainability, and impact on global digital ecosystems.

Education and Early Career

Sachiko has a BA Honours in International Relations from the Department of Political Science at the University of Toronto and an MSc in European Politics and Policy from the London School of Economics; she received her doctorate in standardisation policy from TU Delft. Her academic background laid the foundation for her career at the intersection of technology and policy, enabling her to navigate complex regulatory environments and drive collaborative initiatives.

Contributions and Impact

Throughout her career, Sachiko has been a vocal advocate for:

• Open Standards and Interoperability: Promoting frameworks that allow different systems and organizations to work seamlessly together.
• Digital Inclusivity: Ensuring that technological advancements benefit all segments of society, including marginalized communities.
• Ethical Technology Use: Addressing the societal implications of AI, big data, and other emerging technologies to foster trust and accountability.

She frequently speaks at international conferences, contributes to policy papers, and participates in forums that shape the future of the digital landscape.

Conclusion

Sachiko Muto's leadership and vision are invaluable assets to the open-source community. Her role on the Drupal Association Board is anticipated to strengthen the project's commitment to openness, innovation, and global collaboration. Through her efforts, Drupal and the wider open-source ecosystem are poised to make even greater strides in shaping an inclusive and dynamic digital future.