On this page, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the EU Public Services Open Source Achievement Awards. For all the information regarding the procedure and details, please read the Procedure Guide. If you can’t find what you are looking for, you can send us an email at EU-OSOR@ec.europa.eu. We are happy to help you with your submission! Jump to Eligibility Submission Evaluation process Nomination and announcements Eligibility

Submission

Evaluation process

Nomination and announcements

The EU Public Services Open Source Achievement Awards The European Commission’s Open Source Observatory (OSOR) has organised the EU Public Services Open Source Achievement Awards to honour and showcase the best open source solutions and initiatives created by or for the public administrations in Europe. As the title of the Awards indicates, the Jury focuses on achievements of Open Source solutions and initiatives: the ambitious goals, determination in overcoming challenges, contribution towards furthering democracy, transparency and active participation of citizens in creating digital…

Award categories The best solutions and initiatives will be selected for two Awards: 1) EU Public Services Open Source Achievement Award, chosen by a Jury according to the dedicated selection criteria. 2) OSOR Community Award, voted on via the Joinup platform by OSOR users and anyone who will log in to the platform. Who can participate? The Awards are for organisations and teams who: have successfully implemented an Open Source solution(s) within public administrations developed initiatives using and advancing the use of Open Source within public services. The submitters may represent public…

Eligibility criteria A solution or initiative is eligible for the OSOR Awards 2023 if it fulfils the following criteria: Must be developed for or implemented by a public organisation from an EU Member State, EFTA country associated with the Digital Europe Programme, or an EU candidate country whose Association Agreement with the Digital Europe Programme has entered into force. Must have a representative (an organisation/a natural person) to submit the application. The solution or software released, used, and implemented by the initiative must be licensed under an open source software licence…

Selection phases 26 July Call for submissions opens 21 September Submissions close 29 September OSOR community voting launch 26 October OSOR community voting closes 21 November Award Ceremony at the 15 years of OSOR event More detailed description of the selection process can be found in the procedure guide.

Award ceremony The representatives of the top 6 entries and the winner of the OSOR Community Award will be invited to Brussels for the event celebrating 15 years of OSOR - Open Source Observatory turns 15: From pioneering to mainstreaming open technologies in public services on 21 November 2023. The conference organisers will support them in arranging travel and accommodation and will cover the costs for 1 person per solution. The representatives of these top entries will be invited to present their solutions or initiatives during this large event convening participants from the EU Member…

Do you have questions? FAQ Find answers at the frequently asked questions Contact us You can send us an email at EU-OSOR@ec.europa.eu.

Open source comes with transparency and flexibility, which create diverse opportunities for decision-makers in local governments. It enables new ways to approach software procurement and development. Here you will find testimonies and experiences from local public administrations that have implemented or transitioned to open source as well as answers to many questions on why and how public administrations decide to make the switch towards openness of their digital infrastructure. Jump to: FAQ Latest news Case studies

FAQ

OSOR is a place where the Free and Open Source software community can come together to publish news, find out about events, find relevant open source software solutions and read about the use of Free and Open Source in public administrations across and beyond Europe. OSOR is a trustworthy observatory that provides FOSS expertise and information as well as serves as middle-ground to connect European Public Administrations with other relevant stakeholders. To reach this objective, OSOR promotes the use of Free and Open Source software and supports the community. Read more about OSOR here...

Explore OSOR Knowledge Centre The Knowledge Centre gives you access to key information published by the Open Source Observatory as well as external resources to learn more about the development of OSS. OSPOs and OSS Governance The Open Source Program Office (OSPO) model of governance is used to manage use of, and contribution to, OSS projects. Cities and Regions A comprehensive guide for cities considering or already using open source solutions, providing valuable insights, testimonies, and lessons from local administrations. Resource Map In this interactive map, you will find country-related…

The Open Source Program Office (OSPO) model of governance is used to manage use of, and contribution to, OSS projects. This model is becoming more common in public administration. As the use of OSS by public administrations grows, efficient governance models become more important. Awareness and planning of technical, legal, procedural and strategic dimensions can greatly increase the benefits that public administrations can get from of open source software. Public code faces a lot of expectations on quality, usability, privacy, transparency, and value to society at large. OSS can help reach…

FAQ

The OSOR newsletter: latest news, studies, software and upcoming events about free and open source software. Have an enjoyable read — if you want to receive the newsletter directly to your email, please subscribe!

OSOR is where the free / open source software community can come together to publish news, find out about events, find relevant software solutions and read about the use of free software / open source in public administrations across and beyond Europe. Knowledge Centre Country reports Information about polices, current use of free software / open source, and information about who's involved Case studies - About how people are using free software / open source, as well as specific solutions, or problems! Studies & Guidelines - Larger studies, reports and guidelines on important topics Cities &…

This page shares guiding documents including practical tips and good practices on various aspects regarding the uptake and use of open source software by public administrations: 1. Guidelines for Sustainable Open Source Communities in the Public Sector - how to ensure the sustainability of OSS communities in the public sector. 2. [Coming soon!] Guidelines for the Public Procurement of Open Source Software - overview of the EU and national political and legal background of the public procurement of OSS, as well as good practices for each step of the procurement process. Click on the icons below…

The OSOR newsletter: latest news, studies, software and upcoming events about free and open source software. Have an enjoyable read — if you want to receive the newsletter directly to your email, please subscribe!

This page contains various reports which provide information and good practices on the use, development, maintenance, and procurement of open source software by public administrations, as well as the creation of and contribution to public sector-led open source communities. Should you wish to contribute to this page by publishing a report, you can contact the OSOR team at EU-OSOR@ec.europa.eu. Report on the role of open source in the digital response to COVID-19 in the EU Year: 2021 Authors: Federico Chiarelli, Debora Di Giacomo, Chloé Dussutour, Ghita Ennadif, Débora Lopes Gonçalves The…

This interactive map will facilitate your navigation to search for country-related information and resources on OSS. Click on one country to access the following information: OSS Country Intelligence - Country intelligence reports and factsheets on open source software policies and initiatives throughout the European Union and beyond OSS Repositories - Repositories with reusable open source software solutions for public administrations Specific Resources - Open source software associations, competence centres, and points of contact Case Studies - Case studies on the deployment of open source…