This month, OSOR published two new items spotlighting the use of open source in public administration on a central and municipal level in Slovakia. In the updated country report, OSOR sheds light on open source in Slovakia’s journey towards digital transformation. The case study on Bratislava focuses on the varied ways in which open source is used in the city’s innovation strategies.
The country report and the accompanying factsheet show how Slovakia is making gradual progress in open source policy development and implementation under the lead of the Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatisation (MIRRI). MIRRI aligns government objectives with international digital development frameworks and oversees the execution of the country’s digital transformation strategies. Slovakia’s legal framework contains commitments and mandates for increased OS use in public administration, although a greater takeup of OS has been mixed due to challenges in political commitment. Civil society organisations have been complementing governmental efforts by advocating for greater use of OS, thus contributing to increased transparency and efficacy of public administration.
In Bratislava, the Department of Innovation and Digital Services spearheads the city's digital transformation. Established in 2018, the department initially focused on revamping the city's website, bratislava.sk, and has since expanded its mandate to include projects like the Bratislava ID, aimed at improving user convenience and inclusivity in digital services. Embracing open source solutions, the department collaborates with public sector bodies and municipal companies to modernise digital services across all 17 boroughs. The rollout of initiatives like the Bratislava ID has demonstrated tangible benefits, including enhanced user experiences and cost reductions. Despite some obstacles, the Innovation Team remains committed to an inclusive, transparent, and collaborative approach, showcasing the potential of open source in driving city administrations' digital transformations.
You can find all the other reports published on OSOR here. Additionally, concise factsheets highlighting key insights from all reports are also available.
We trust that you will find these reports informative. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at EU-OSOR@ec.europa.eu.