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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Navigating Open Source Software Development in the Generative AI Era

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It is difficult to overstate the impact of generative AI on software engineering. In the report Navigating Open Source Software Development in the Generative AI Era, LF Research, Red Hat, Futurewei, OpenSSF, and LF AI & Data investigate how AI tools are impacting open source development workflows, and how maintainers and developers are experiencing this shift.
 
The findings reveal that 1 in 4 incoming pull requests are low-quality "AI slop," driving maintainer burnout to the #1 concern for large projects. Additionally, only 1 in 3 projects have formal AI contribution policies. However, developers harvest 19%–52% time savings using AI across tasks.
 
Maintainers and contributors must transition from reactive management to clear AI governance and verification systems.
 
Authors
  • Sam Boysel, The Linux Foundation
  • Anni Lai, Generative AI Commons
  • Foreword by Brian Proffitt, Red Hat
 
Additional Resources

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