OpenJS World: The Roaring Twenties for JavaScript

OpenJS World Keynote Series: The Roaring Twenties for JavaScript

During the OpenJS World Welcome Keynote, Robin Bender Ginn, Executive Director of the OpenJS Foundation, and Todd Moore, Vice President of Open Technology and Developer Advocacy at IBM, discussed JavaScript and the importance of diversity, the effect of the pandemic on the JavaScript ecosystem and gave updates on some of the many the projects hosted by the OpenJS Foundation

Ginn started the Keynote discussion by drawing a parallel to the roaring 1920’s to the 2020’s and highlighted how both were dramatic decades of change. During the conversation, Ginn and Moore shed light on how the presence of systemic bias in the tech industry can be a hindrance in the growth of JavaScript. Both the keynote speakers were hopeful that this bias could be overcome in the years to come. They highlighted OpenJS’ efforts to create a diverse and varied stakeholder community, while also recognizing there is a long way to go and steps like putting more structure around DEI programs helps bridge that gap.

The on-going pandemic has led to a sharp rise in online commerce and the digital delivery of healthcare and education. JavaScript was the key tool behind this. For example, Netflix, an end-user and contributor to the Node.js project, saw a heavier reliance on its IT infrastructure during the pandemic.

In their closing thoughts, both the speakers agreed that Node.js was key to many companies’ growth because its maintainers ensure that it is neutral and diverse in nature. Ginn and Moore also reiterated the importance of the role open-source plays in speeding up innovation and acts as a force for good in global economies. 

OpenJS World Welcome Keynote Full video here
Broken down by section:
Member introduction 0:04
Systemic bias in the tech industry 2:19
Members 3:08
Pandemic and its effect on the 3:51
A closer look at Netflix’s Open Source Software 4:09
Milestones from OpenJS Project Communities 5:06
Project Graduation 7:01
Collaboration Network 8:31
NodeJS Certification Program 10:43
New Individual Supporter Program 11:33
Neutrality and the role foundations play 12:26
Leading Standard Development Orgs 15:00
Why is IBM contributing to the OpenJS Foundation 16:47
Closing thoughts and call to action 17:06