Why a licence? When someone writes software, the resulting intellectual property (software and documentation) is protected by copyright law, just like a literary or artistic work. Owning the copyright...
LicensingOpen Source Software
Last update: 30/05/2024
New Open Source law in Switzerland
Switzerland has enacted the "Federal Law on the Use of Electronic Means for the Fulfilment of Governmental Tasks" (EMBAG), establishing a mandatory requirement for open source software within public sector bodies.
Digital-ready policymakingeGovernment+4 topics
Last update: 17/04/2024
A look into… GÉANT
GÉANT results from the collaboration of European National Research and Education Networks (NRENs). The project aims to deliver an information ecosystem of infrastructure and services to advance research, education, and innovation on a global scale.The GÉANT Software Tools form a technology stack which supports the full software development life-cycle from requirements management via issue/task management to source code repository and through continuous integration and deployment service to binaries repository and production deployment. The stack includes Jira, Bamboo, Bitbucket, Sonarqube…
European PoliciesLicensingOpen Source Software
Last update: 26/02/2024
Apache and EUPL
In his blog (in Spanish), Javier López Acevedo analyses the compatibility between the EUPL and the more permissive Apache license.Regarding the EUPL, nothing in Apache versions 1.1 and 2.0 prohibits relicensing a larger work under this license. In the case of version 1.1 there are certain requirements - such as the existence of certain prohibitions on the use of the "Apache" brand - but in no case are they considered restrictions added by the EUPL licensor. Specifically, they are inherited from the original Apache license.These requirements therefore do not affect the essential freedoms of the...
LicensingOpen Source Software
Last update: 22/03/2024
The OSOR Handbook
The OSOR Team is pleased to release the initial version of the OSOR Handbook, a longstanding project aimed at providing essential information to the open-source community within the public sector. This guide is tailored for European public administrations and their officials seeking to develop or implement an open source software (OSS) strategy. Over the past 15 years, OSOR has been a valuable resource, aiding administrations in adopting a comprehensive approach to OSS. The purpose of this handbook is to serve as a guide, consolidating key solutions and insights from the collective experience…
CollaborationDigital-ready policymaking+6 topics
Last update: 29/02/2024
The Interoperable Europe Act and the open source community
The European Parliament's plenary has adopted the Interoperable Europe Act, securing overwhelming support, with 524 out of 639 Members voting in favour during the first reading. The legislation, aimed at bolstering cross-border interoperability in digital public services, received broad backing from major political factions.Expected to become European law after a single reading, the Act targets improved data exchange between EU Member States, addressing challenges in the current landscape. Ivars Ijabs, the designated rapporteur on the Act, highlighted the necessity for swift cross-border…
European PoliciesLegal+4 topics
Last update: 03/12/2023
After "OSOR turns 15"
The OSOR turns 15 celebration (21 November 2023) gave speakers the opportunity to highlight the role of Digital Commons in implementing a user centric vision: supporting the rule of law, inclusion, transparency, accountability and collaboration. Ultimately four words summarize all that quite well: “People and rights first”!The advent of the digital era served as driving force for the adoption of major EU legal instruments. After initial directives, we welcome regulations in various fields (PSI, Data, GDPR, SDGR, AI and very soon the Interoperable Europe Act).But knowing that the "open"…
European PoliciesLegal+3 topics
Last update: 01/12/2023
New reports on China and Mexico
OSOR has just published the first versions of reports on the state of open source in Mexico and China. These reports offer a comprehensive overview of each country’s use and policies on open source software as of 2023. They delve into the evolution of policies in recent years and provide various examples of open source usage in public administration specific to each nation.In these reports, you will discover the key governmental bodies actively involved in open source initiatives. In Mexico, the reports highlight the roles of the National Digital Strategy Coordinator and the Public research…
In a decisive move underscoring their commitment to critical areas, the European Parliament (EP) and the Council formally ratified the EU's 2024 budget, marking a significant milestone in addressing pressing global challenges while bolstering support for research initiatives, youth empowerment, and combating external adversities.EP President Roberta Metsola signed the 2024 EU budget into law on 22 November, symbolising the culmination of rigorous discussions and collaborative efforts within the Strasbourg hemicycle. This budget, amounting to €189.4 billion in commitments, and payments set at…
Linux Foundation publishes a report on state of OS in Europe
Linux Foundation (LF) published the European edition of its Global Spotlight 2023 Survey, “Exploring the State of European Open Source Innovation, Opportunities, and Challenges.” The LF report brings interesting insights into the state of open source program offices (OSPOs) in Europe. About half of the respondents admitted that their organisation lacks an OSPO, and for end-user organisations (defined as businesses using IT products and services to support their deliverables), only one in three has the guiding principles and practices for open source adoption in place. While the business value…
Business and competitionCollaboration+4 topics
Last update: 09/10/2023
Defining Open Source AI
The Open Source Initiative, which is responsible for overseeing the open source definition, has embarked on an initiative to define Open Source AI, including a series of workshops, webinars, and extensive discussions. With the increasing use of AI by public administrations for delivering public services, it has become imperative to address the question of what it means for an AI system to be Open Source. The Open Source Definition describes the rights that users of a piece of software must receive, but the software component of an AI system is quite small. Most of the system is data, and it’s…
CollaborationDigital-ready policymaking+2 topics
Last update: 02/10/2023
Presentations from the OSOR Webinar on Solutions for Public Sector
OSOR organised its final webinar in its series on Policy & Strategy Aspects of OSS in Public Administration which took place online on 27 September from 13:00 - 15:00 CET. After looking at existing problems and describing the needs of the Public administration when it comes to open source, this last webinar focused on existing and future solutions for the Public sector. This event followed a workshop on the same themes where public administrations officials, policymakers, CTO's and open source users participated in discussions on existing solutions. You can find all the presentations from this...