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

 

2025 Napa LFMS Stephanie Hilary Nithya

Civil Infrastructure Platform: Industrial Grade Linux at 10

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How do physical systems maintain software security across 20- to 40-year lifecycles? A new report from LF Research and the Civil Infrastructure Platform (CIP), in celebration of the project’s 10 year anniversary, reveals how open source collaboration solves critical longevity and regulatory challenges.
 
Global infrastructure investment will reach $150T by 2050, requiring multi-decade software stability. CIP's 10-year Super Long-Term Support (SLTS) kernels convert short-term baselines into sustainable industrial software engines. Crucially, pooling engineering bandwidth under an open source platform allows companies to mutualize the high cost of security fixes, hardware alignment, and compliance under new mandates like the EU Cyber Resilience Act, avoiding severe fines up to €15M.
 
Organizations must shift from passive consumers to active stewards to reduce total cost of ownership and secure critical infrastructure supply chains. Read the report to learn actionable strategies for long-term open source sustainability!
 
Author
  • Hilary Carter, The Linux Foundation
  • Foreword by Mike Woster, The Linux Foundation
DOI: 10.70828/XVOH6212

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