Open source, open knowledge and open innovation in general should be embraced by politicians everywhere, for economic policy as well as societal reasons. The European Parliament's decision against software patents serves as a landmark example of political concern for new innovation models. But other legislative and infrastructure decisions did not work out equally favorably. The EU Campaigner of the Year 2005 will explain from his front-line experience how politicians across the democratic spectrum tend to view, and take into considerations as they form opinions and make decisions, such innovative approaches to innovation versus traditional business models. In addition to describing his experience, Florian will outline what he believes how the open innovation cause could be advanced in the political arena, and what the challenges, obstacles and common pitfalls are.