Measuring the Impact of Public Funding on Open Source Software Development

👋Dear NGI-er:

Did you know that open-source software supports 96% of all codebases?

This software forms the backbone of digital infrastructure, yet much of it is maintained by volunteers. While this approach is valuable, it has led to severe vulnerabilities, like the Log4Shell exploit in 2021.

✨To address these risks and ensure ongoing development, public funding now plays a more significant role in supporting open-source software.✨

Programmes such as the EU's Next Generation Internet initiative and Germany's Sovereign Tech Agency are investing significantly in maintaining and improving vital open-source projects by enhancing software security, supporting digital sovereignty, and encouraging technology innovation.

The question is: 🔥How do we assess the impact of these funding efforts?🔥

A newly developed toolkit provides guidance for measuring the social, economic, and technological outcomes of public funding in open-source software, packed with practical methods for funders, policymakers, and researchers to evaluate how financial support influences project outcomes, community growth, and long-term sustainability.

This toolkit can help stakeholders better understand the value of their contributions and make informed decisions about future investments.

👉 Curious about it? Learn everything NOW by clicking here