This page contains information about: events organised by OSOR on the use and development of open source software, open source policies in Europe, and sustainability of open source communities in the...
New collaboration between Commit Global and Germany's Ministry
The "Digital Infrastructure for Humanitarian Assistance" project was officially launched at the German Embassy in Bucharest, bolstered by a €1.35 million commitment from Germany's Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
CollaborationDigital-ready policymaking+4 topics
Last update: 05/06/2024
State of OSS in Bolivia and Singapore
OSOR has published its two new reports on the state of OSS in Bolivia and Singaopore, we hope you'll appreciate this research work.
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: 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: 16/02/2024
State of OSS in Slovakia and Bratislava
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…
Smart citieseGovernmentOpen Source Software
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: 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…
Updated report on the state of open source in the Netherlands
OSOR has just published the updated report on the state of open source in the Netherlands. This report shows the recent evolution of open source policy in the Netherlands and portray the strong evolution of open source implementation at government level. The Netherlands has been actively promoting open source software (OSS) adoption within its government and public administration. This initiative is led by the Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK). The BZK has conducted in-depth studies and reports to assess the feasibility of implementing an "open unless" policy, which mandates…
CollaborationDigital-ready policymaking+7 topics
Last update: 24/10/2023
Updated report on the state of open source in Bulgaria
OSOR has just published the updated report on the state of open source in Bulgaria. This report shows the recent evolution of open source policy in Bulgaria and consolidate earlier finding. Following the enactment of the 2016 amendment to the eGovernment Act, which mandated the use of open source software in public administration, the adoption of open source solutions has not been as uniform as anticipated. While some government departments have complied with these requirements, the report also highlights the challenges and complexities involved in implementing this legislation. While the…
CollaborationEuropean Policies+6 topics
Last update: 18/10/2023
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…