GFOSS (Greek Free/Open Source Software Society), with its 16 year history as an umbrella organization representing 37 academic institutions and research centers, is expanding its membership model to include private IT companies through an innovative approach that goes beyond traditional industry representation and participation. This talk presents our framework for creating meaningful academic-industry collaboration in open technologies, including staff exchange programs between member companies and universities, targeted career development initiatives, and collaborative open source project development through projectathons and hackathons. We will share our vision for a dynamic ecosystem where private sector membership in GFOSS offers a value proposition that includes direct access to academic research and talent pools, participation in joint research projects, opportunities for private sector staff to engage in academic teaching and research and pathways for commercial adoption of academic open source projects. The framework also addresses practical aspects such as revenue-based tiered membership fees, balanced voting mechanisms, and special provisions for startups. Our primary focus is on creating sustainable, mutually beneficial relationships between academia and industry that advance open source adoption and innovation. Insights gained from GFOSS framework approach will inform future policy proposals at both national and European levels, particularly regarding research funding mechanisms, public procurement specifications, and innovation support programs.