Panel: Open Source in the Public Sector

Open Source Software (OSS) is becoming mainstream, and it is perhaps not surprising that public sector organisations seek to explore the potential of OSS in financially difficult times. Today, OSS has become an issue of strategic importance for many public sector organisations. In addition, related to OSS, many organisations and governments are also acknowledging Open Standards as important for addressing various lock-in scenarios. In many countries, there are national policies and governmental initiatives aimed to support the public sector in better utilizing OSS and Open Standards. For example, the Open Source Observatory and Repository, OSOR, is an EU-initiative for exchanging information, experiences and OSS-based software for use in the public sector. In specific countries there are national initiatives, such as “The Netherlands in Open Connection”, which is an action plan for OSS and open standards in the public sector that has been adopted in The Netherlands. Many public sector organisations are currently exploring the potential of Open Source, and for some it has become core to their way of working. Open Source is currently evolving and we have yet to see its full potential. In this panel, the goal is to stimulate discussion on the current trends, opportunities, risks, and experiences to be considered with the wider adoption of OSS (and Open Standards) in public sector organisations. Specifically, the panel seeks to address the following question: