Government Policies for Open Source Software

Synopsys estimates 97% of software contains open source code that can be viewed, used, modified, and redistributed under an open license. Governments across the globe understand the potential of open source software and since the early 2000s have implemented policies to utilize open source software as a tool for modernization, sovereignty, and economic development. A recent study by the European Commission found that open source software contributed upwards of €95 billion to annual GDP in the European economy and its widespread adoption globally makes open source software a key driver of innovation. A series of recent legislative and executive actions, such as the proposed Securing Open Source Software Act and the Executive Order on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity, have put the focus in the U.S. on open source software.  

A CSIS project explored government action on open source software from around the world, compiling a database of national policies, strategies, directives, bills, programs and more dating back to 1999. This event will discuss the project’s findings and the future of open source software policies.  

This event is done in collaboration with GitHub.