Governments Must Shift from Consuming Open Source to Sustaining It
2025-08-14
Fifteen years ago, the author predicted a three-stage evolution for Open Source: volunteer-driven, commercially involved, and government-supported. Today, Open Source underpins critical global infrastructure, yet its maintenance relies on a small number of contributors, creating significant risk. This article calls for increased government investment in Open Source, urging a shift from mere consumption to active contribution. Solutions include stable funding, incentivizing contribution in government contracts, and adopting "Public Money, Public Code" policies to ensure long-term stability and security. This isn't just a technical issue, but a strategic necessity for national security and societal well-being.
(dri.es)