Across the globe, governments are embracing open-source software (OSS) as they recognize the benefits of transparency, security, cost efficiency, and technological sovereignty. Leading the charge are European nations like Germany and France, where mandates requiring the use of OSS are gaining momentum. As the U.S. gradually shifts toward open-source adoption, there’s an urgent need to learn from global leaders who have strategically leveraged open-source for their public sector infrastructure.
The Rise of Open-Source in Europe
Governments in Europe have taken a leading role in adopting OSS. Germany, for instance, has mandated the use of open-source software across public administrations, with 59% of these institutions now actively using OSS in their operations. The German government’s commitment goes further, as it is not merely adopting OSS but also actively contributing back to the community, demonstrating how open-source can be a collaborative, transparent, and secure solution.
Similarly, the European Union (EU) has implemented frameworks like the open-source Observatory (OSOR), which promotes the sharing of open-source software and best practices across its member states. The EU has recognized the need for OSS not just as a cost-cutting measure but also as a way to ensure technological independence from foreign proprietary software companies. France, too, has joined this movement, committing to replace proprietary software with open-source alternatives for government services wherever possible.
Freedom, Security, and Transparency: The Core Benefits of Open-Source
Open-source software offers governments unparalleled freedom. Unlike proprietary software, which locks institutions into contracts with a single vendor, OSS allows governments to fully control, modify, and audit their software. This is particularly important for national security. With OSS, public administrations can scrutinize the code for vulnerabilities and customize solutions to meet specific needs, all while collaborating with an international community that continuously enhances the software.
Transparency is a cornerstone of OSS. Because open-source software is publicly accessible, governments can leverage the collective wisdom of the global developer community to identify and fix security vulnerabilities. This decentralized approach contrasts sharply with proprietary software, where governments are dependent on a single vendor for updates and security patches. By making the source code available, OSS provides greater security as it is continuously scrutinized by a global audience of developers.
The U.S. Perspective: Gradual Shifts Toward Open-Source
While the U.S. has been slower to adopt open-source software than its European counterparts, recent policy changes indicate a gradual shift. In 2021, the Biden administration signed Executive Order 14028, which laid the groundwork for improving national cybersecurity. One specific directive called for software sold to the U.S. government to provide greater visibility into its security data, a requirement that encourages the use of open-source software, where transparency and visibility are inherent.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has also taken steps toward promoting open-source adoption. Its Source Code Policy requires that at least 20% of newly commissioned custom software be released as open-source, allowing the federal government to reap the benefits of OSS. Moreover, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has launched an Open-Source Software Security Roadmap to bolster secure OSS use across the federal government. This roadmap outlines key goals, such as establishing CISA’s role in supporting OSS security and strengthening the overall ecosystem.
In addition, the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) has launched the first Government Open-Source Program Office (OSPO), which seeks to modernize open-source management and embrace developer-friendly approaches. The Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) is also exploring ways to secure open-source software through incentives for maintainers to adopt best practices.
Lessons from Global Leaders: How the U.S. Can Scale Open-Source Adoption
While the U.S. government is making strides toward open-source adoption, it can learn several key lessons from its European counterparts. First, OSS adoption should not be limited to cost-saving measures but should also be viewed as a strategic tool for technological sovereignty and innovation. Germany and France’s commitment to open-source reflects the importance of this sovereignty, particularly in reducing dependency on foreign vendors for critical software solutions.
Furthermore, governments need to play an active role in contributing to OSS projects, not just consuming them. In Germany, more than 60% of public institutions contribute back to the open-source community, ensuring the ecosystem thrives while benefiting from the collective knowledge of the global OSS network. For the U.S. to fully reap the rewards of open-source technology, it must also encourage public sector developers to contribute to these projects.
Finally, the U.S. should focus on building a robust open-source workforce. One of the biggest challenges to OSS adoption is the shortage of skilled IT professionals who are capable of managing, securing, and developing open-source solutions. Europe has been proactive in addressing this challenge by investing in open-source training and education initiatives. The U.S. would benefit from a similar investment in talent development.
Overcoming Challenges: Security and Workforce Development
While open-source software offers many benefits, it is not without its challenges. In the U.S., concerns over security vulnerabilities and the complexity of managing OSS at scale have slowed adoption. However, initiatives such as CISA’s roadmap are crucial steps toward addressing these issues.
Workforce development remains a critical challenge, as the U.S. faces a shortage of skilled workers trained in managing and securing open-source solutions. This gap is largely due to most educational institutions focusing on proprietary hardware, operating systems, and software. Open-source solutions should be seen as an educational opportunity. Europe’s proactive approach to addressing the skills gap through education and training can serve as a model for the U.S. Investing in a highly skilled open-source workforce will be crucial for scaling OSS across federal agencies.
As open-source software continues to reshape government infrastructure across the world, the U.S. has an opportunity to learn from global leaders like Germany and France. By focusing on transparency, security, and workforce development, the U.S. can leverage OSS to build more resilient, efficient, and innovative public sector solutions. The shift toward open-source software is not just a technological trend; it is a strategic necessity for governments seeking greater control over their digital infrastructure. With the right investments and policies, the U.S. can fully unlock the potential of open-source for its government agencies, ensuring security, transparency, and innovation in the years to come.
