Nicholas Gates – Open Source in Local Governments: Lessons from across the EU #FOSSBack

This talk presents insights into how local governments in Europe effectively collaborate on open source solutions, drawing from five comprehensive case studies including Consul Democracy, Digitransit, and Golemio. The speaker examines the unique challenges these governments face in adopting open source software, such as building internal capacity and navigating regulations, while aiming for 100% online public services by 2030. Participants will learn about critical collaboration archetypes, innovative governance models, and actionable strategies that enable cities to overcome barriers like conservative procurement practices and vendor lock-in. This session offers valuable takeaways for policymakers, technologists, and open source advocates, providing practical knowledge for fostering sustainable digital infrastructure through cooperative open source development in the public sector.