OSOR had the chance to discuss with Anika Krellmann, advisor at KGSt (a German Municipal Association for Administration Management), Anika Krellmann is a passionate advocate for open source (OS) software in local government. Her mission stems from a clear observation: municipalities' heavy dependence on proprietary software often hampers their flexibility and innovative potential. For Krellmann, open source represents more than just an alternative – it's a pathway for municipalities to regain control over their digital infrastructure.
KGSt's engagement with open source has evolved significantly. In 2021 their first report (also authored by Anika) introduced fundamental concepts and benefits of OS for local governments. Building on this foundation, their second report delves deeper, outlining comprehensive processes for strengthening OS adoption in public administration. The report emphasizes open source governance as a structural approach that transcends individual projects to reshape the entire local government framework.
Successfully implementing OS in municipalities requires addressing multiple interconnected challenges. Procurement processes need redesigning to accommodate OS solutions, while clear strategies must guide adoption and maintenance efforts. Many municipalities lack basic knowledge about OS benefits and operations, making awareness-building crucial. Community engagement emerges as another vital component, fostering collaboration and shared development among local governments.
Two distinct approaches to OS governance have emerged in response to these challenges. The first involves establishing dedicated Open Source Programme Offices (OSPOs), providing concentrated expertise and coordination. While effective, this model demands significant resources and new personnel, potentially limiting its adoption. The alternative role-based approach described in the report integrates OS responsibilities into existing positions such as OS strategists or CIOs, offering greater flexibility and easier implementation. This alternative perspective on how to structure the use of OSS makes the report a great resource to use for local governments around the EU.
Krellmann emphasises the philosophical alignment between open source and public service principles. "Public money should fund public code," she explains. "When citizens' money funds software development, the results should be open and accessible. This allows other regions to benefit from these investments, creating a network of shared resources and knowledge. The current global situation makes this shift towards OS increasingly crucial, especially given growing concerns about software dependencies."
Her vision extends beyond simple software choices: “The motivation should be rooted in solidarity. Municipalities need to embrace network thinking and community collaboration. This approach aligns perfectly with local governance principles.”
The path forward requires municipalities to embrace collaboration and shared learning. While the transition demands significant investment in training and process adaptation, it represents essential pioneering work. As municipalities continue to evolve and adjust their approaches, they can build sustainable OS governance models that will benefit both local governments and the broader community.
Photo by Mikael Kristenson on Unsplash