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.

35 Years of Linux

How did a hobby project evolve into the open source engine of global infrastructure? The milestone report by LF Research examines the kernel’s historic and organic evolution as well as its present-day impact. 

 

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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

The 2025 State of OSPOs and Open Source Management

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Now in its 8th year, LF Research and the TODO Group partnered with CNCF, FossID, and FinOps on the 2025 annual OSPO report.
 
OSPOs are rapidly maturing from compliance-focused units into strategic governance hubs, with growing roles in risk management, AI oversight, and open source supply chain security. This year’s report found: 
  • Growth in preparedness for cloud native and generative AI, stronger engagement in security initiatives, and increased focus on long-term sustainability practices.
  • Organizations with OSPOs report significantly higher rates of upstream contributions, improved software quality, developer experience, and ecosystem influence.
  • Strategy gaps, limited executive buy-in, and ROI justification challenges remain key adoption barriers, underscoring the need for structured, sustainable OSPO investments.
Download the report to read the complete findings!
 
Authors
  • Bianca Trinkenreich, Ph.D., Colorado State University
  • Adrienn Lawson, The Linux Foundation
  • Foreword by Yuichi Nakamura, Hitachi Ltd.
 
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