The Foundation of Digital Sovereignity

What is open-source-software?

Open-source-software is defined by four freedoms: the freedom to use, share, study, and improve.

These freedoms enable collaborative development and full control over the systems in use. Such software can be developed and provided by public authorities, companies, or individuals. Standardized open-source-licenses grant users the rights to redistribute and modify the software.

This approach allows building on existing solutions and fosters open collaboration through transparency.

Open source is more than just software development—it is a concept rooted in transparency, the value of collaborative progress, and the open exchange of knowledge.

Open Source as the basis for Digital Sovereignty

The Digital Sovereignty for Public Administration is based on three strategic goals that are significantly supported by the use of open source software:

1. The ability to switch
Open source offers the Public Administration flexibility in the choice of IT solutions and providers:

• Open standards create real freedom of choice
• Open source licences ensure long-term use
• IT architectures can be customised as needed
• Interoperable systems facilitate the exchange of solutions

2. The capacity to shape
Open source strengthens the Public Administration's ability to actively shape its IT:

• Transparency through insight into the source code
• Development of IT expertise through practical experience
• Possibility of demand-orientated development
• Encouragement of cross-administrative cooperation

3. Influence on providers
Open source strengthens the position of the Public Administration in dialogue with IT providers:

• Supporting a diverse market through open standards
• Integration of specific requirements for functionality and data protection
• Option to operate in the administration's own data centres
• Partnership-based cooperation in further development

What is openCode?

openCode is the central platform for Public Administration to exchange and collaborate on open-source-software.

Currently, over 5,000 users from more than 700 administrative organizations work on 2,000+ software projects!

openCode was initiated by the Bundesministerium des Innern und für Heimat (BMI), along with the states of Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia. Since 2024, the platform has been operated and further developed by the Center for Digital Sovereignty of Public Administration (ZenDiS).