OpenForum Europe, together with Fraunhofer ISI, are conducting a study on the use of Open Source Software (OSS) and Open Source Hardware (OSH) in Europe. The ultimate goal of the study is to contribute to more technologically open European policies.

The use of Open Source has grown widely. There has been a paradigm shift from proprietary systems to more open and collaborative frameworks. However, there are no records or concrete data on the use and impact of this type of Software in Europe. There are old studies from France or Germany, but nothing on a European scale.

Accordingly, in response to a request by DG CONNECT from the European Commission, Fraunhofer ISI and OpenForum Europe are now seeking to understand the impact of Open Source Software and Hardware.

This study starts from the analysis of the existing literature and data available to consult stakeholders on their contribution and use of OSS and OSH, while looking to analyze their impacts on industries and society in general. A SWOT analysis should be carried out, looking for Open Source opportunities, weaknesses, strengths and challenges, especially in the areas of information technologies such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, European industry digitization, Big Data, Distributed Ledger Technologies, among others.

Meanwhile, within the scope of that study, a survey was published. The European Commission and the promoters of the study call for the participation of specialists and project managers carried out using Open Source. Responses will be treated with absolute confidentiality. An analysis will be made at the aggregate level that will be included in the final report of this project to be published by the European Commission.