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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2026 CRA Awareness and Readiness

Download Report
We are at a critical juncture: the December 2027 deadline for the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is rapidly approaching, yet readiness is stagnating. The 2026 CRA Awareness and Readiness Report provides essential data on the global software ecosystem’s preparedness, offering a path forward for every manufacturer, steward, and developer.
 
Key findings include:
  • Awareness remains low, with 66% of respondents unfamiliar with the CRA;
  • 56% of organizations are unaware of non-compliance fines, putting them at financial risk;
  • Technical debt is soaring due to compliance workarounds, such as maintaining private forks, which cost an average of $258,000 in labor every release cycle;
Organizations must take action, shifting from forking to contribution, investing in implementation toolkits, and supporting the open source projects and foundations that they depend on.
 
Download the report today to assess your organization's position and implement the necessary compliance strategies before the December 2027 deadline.
 
Authors
  • Adrienn Lawson, The Linux Foundation
  • Foreword by Roman Zhukov, Red Hat
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