LINUX FOUNDATION RESEARCH

We’re investigating the impact of open source collaboration to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.

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About LF Research

LF Research publishes actionable and decision-useful insights into open source software, hardware, standards, and data based on empirical research methodologies. Through leveraging community networks, project databases, surveys, and qualitative findings, and through its commitment to best practices in primary research, Linux Foundation Research is the definitive home for data-driven insights into open source for the benefit of governments, enterprises, and society at large.

ROI for Open Source Software Contribution

What is the benefit of contributing to open source? In this study, LF Research has tackled this question through the analysis of results from a survey and quantitative model on contribution ROI. 

 

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Participate in Our Research

Join the LF Research Forum and participate in our surveys and interviews to give back to your community and earn events & training discounts!

 

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Interested in conducting research?

Review our prospectus for more information, and email us at research@linuxfoundation.org

 

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The Open Source Value Proposition for the Energy Sector

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How do we systematically quantify the ROI of open source software? This LF Research and LF Energy report introduces a benefit-cost framework to help energy grid operators answer that question.
 
Using a scenario comparison that organizes value into four components — cost, risk, strategic value, and societal value — to distill the relative efficiency of each scenario, the framework shows that increasing open source investment yields a proven net value 2–5x higher than current operational costs. Additionally, maintaining an open source fallback maximizes negotiating headroom to decrease hardware and software purchase costs.
 
Grid operators should read the report and consider adopting this framework to transform procurement debates into objective, evidence-based roadmaps.
 
Authors
  • Sam Boysel, The Linux Foundation
  • Mital Kanabar, PowerProfs
  • Foreword by Alex Thornton, LF Energy

 DOI: 10.70828/TNUV5704 

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