Module 2: Building an Open Source Enabling Environment #

Learning Objectives #

In this module we will:

• Identify the key enabling factors and barriers to the adoption of open source software, related to staffing and organizational structure.

• Discuss the wide variety of job functions, professional profiles and skill sets involved in developing, implementing and maintaining open source software projects in a government organization.

• Explore best practices for building and leading a right-sized technical team.

Key Points #

• A growing policy and legislative landscape supports the adoption of open source software. However, current structures, practices, and mentalities within many government and public sector agencies can create barriers when it comes to open source software adoption.

• Technical staffing is one of the greatest perceived barriers to open source software adoption. A lack of in-house capacity and collaborative culture can lead to over-reliance on vendors: Few government organizations have full-time staff (at leadership and implementation levels) with necessary skills and knowledge to procure, build, and/or maintain open source software. As a result, governments typically rely on vendors.¹ This can cause vendor lock-in, ballooning costs and hidden fees, and loss of control (over functionalities, updates and compliance).²

• Executives in organizations of all sizes can overcome these challenges by making strategic investments, reducing real and perceived risk, and encouraging a cultural shift in the organization. This includes:

  • Learning how open source software procurement, development, and maintenance works and supporting internal working groups and champions.

  • Driving an organizational culture that encourages working in the open and continuous user engagement.

  • Engaging with a variety of partners, peer organizations and service providers to complement the internal team.

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