The Legal Technologist: Open systems are the future of AI, but only if we redefine what open means

In this article, AI Engineering Lead Sam Grange argues that open systems are essential to the future of AI, but only if “open” is redefined around governance, records, and institutional control rather than unrestricted access. Grange explains that true openness enables AI systems to securely connect to trusted internal and external data while preserving permissions, audit trails, and accountability. The article outlines how mature knowledge architectures—structured repositories, clear records systems, and contextual integration—allow AI to move beyond experimentation and operate reliably at scale. The core message is that openness without governance amplifies risk, while open systems built on strong knowledge foundations enable trust, coordination, and long-term value.