Advancing Digital Government: Integrating Open Source Software Enablement Indicators in Maturity Indexes

Context:Open Source Software (OSS) is a vital public good forming the foundation of nearly all modern software stacks. Its licensing enables reuse and collaboration, fueling innovation, competitiveness, and digital sovereignty. European and global policy frameworks recognize OSS as key to public sector transformation, advancing interoperability, transparency, and technological independence. However, systematic awareness and measurement of governmental OSS adoption remain limited.Objectives:This study contributes to digital government maturity indexes by analyzing how policies and institutional actions leverage OSS for software reuse and collaborative development across 16 digitally mature countries. It proposes potential indicators for inclusion in such indexes by examining OSS policy goals, key actors, and support mechanisms.Methods:A qualitative approach combines desk research of policy documents with semi-structured interviews of government representatives, producing detailed country reports. Cross-analysis focuses on policy rationales, promotion strategies, and implementation support.Results:OSS reuse policies are widespread, targeting both inbound adoption and outbound sharing, and are often led by central public sector organizations. Policy objectives emphasize interoperability, sovereignty, transparency, cost efficiency, and security—framed as both challenge and strength. Implementation is supported by Open Source Program Offices (OSPOs) that facilitate capacity building, resource pooling, and sustainable governance. Thirteen indicator areas are proposed, spanning policy design, incentives, implementation, and support.Conclusions:OSS is a strategic enabler of digital transformation. Realizing its full value requires coherent policy frameworks, institutional capacity, and integration of OSS indicators within global maturity assessments to enhance transparency, interoperability, and sovereignty.