The study provides an in-depth investigation of five mature case studies of how local governments have adopted, developed, and collaborated on joint open source software solutions. The perspectives of three key groups, local governments and Public Sector Organisations, community actors and service suppliers are highlighted, detailing the process of adopting, developing and maintaining open source projects for public administrations.
The report details extensive case studies on how local government open source projects evolve through various stages, challenges experienced and how they are managed to ensure sustainability. To identify the roles of the above-mentioned key groups, the report defines archetypes for each group, also analysing what roles are missing. Lastly, the report provides specific recommendations aimed at supporting local governments, community actors, and service suppliers to come together in developing and supporting open source solutions with the potential to scale cross-border collaboration.
OFE and RISE co-authored this report for the European Commission’s Open Source Observatory (OSOR), a trustworthy observatory that provides FOSS expertise and information to the Free and Open Source community and public administrations the like. It serves as middle-ground to connect European Public Administrations with other relevant stakeholders, while supporting and promoting the Free and Open Source software community. OFE is a regular contributor to the Observatory.
Lead authors: Nicholas Gates (OFE), Yannis Chourmouziadis (OFE) & Johan Linåker (RISE)
Disclaimer
This multiple-case study was carried out for the European Commission’s Open Source Observatory (OSOR) by OpenForum Europe and Wavestone under the Specific Contract 32 FWC DI 07929-00 BEACON Lot 2. Manuscript completed in September 2025 by Johan Linåker and Nicholas Gates, with Yannis Chourmouziadis and Simon Weber.
The information and views set out in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the European Commission. The European Commission does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this document. Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on the European Commission’s behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein.
© European Union, 2025
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