Guidelines for creating sustainable open source communities

Year: 2021

Authors: Vivien Devenyi, Debora Di Giacomo, Chloé Dussutour, Barbora Kudzmanaite, Maha Shaikh

The report explores the potential of open source software (OSS) for public administrations, highlighting its adaptability in enhancing internal processes and digital public services. Despite its benefits, OSS adoption often faces challenges like compatibility issues and inconsistent sustainability. To address these, the European Commission’s Open Source Observatory (OSOR) created the Guidelines for Sustainable Open Source Communities in the Public Sector, which provide practical advice for public administrations to either join existing OSS communities or build new ones. The guidelines emphasise active participation to ensure long-term success.

Based on research, including case studies of successful OSS initiatives, the Guidelines outline foundational strategies, approaches to joining communities, and steps for creating sustainable OSS communities. This updated edition adds recommendations on fostering diversity, managing member transitions, and creating supportive environments. Designed in a Q&A format, the guidelines simplify OSS adoption for public officials and support the European Commission’s goal of promoting IT solution sharing across the public sector.

Consult the Guidelines.

OSOR Handbook

Year: 2024

Authors: Axel Thévenet, Ciarán O’Riordan, Paula Grzegorzewska

Implementers of open source software (OSS) in public administrations are no longer pioneers. There are now many implementers with a decade of experience, and even some with two. Information is being shared through more formally managed networks and at conferences. This handbook is the start of an ongoing project to make that information available to a wider audience and showcase the variety of resources available to those who would like to explore using open source for their organisation’s digital needs.

Consult the Handbook.