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 State of Open Source Europe

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How are AI and digital sovereignty reshaping open source governance in Europe? Marking a major research milestone, LF Research and LF Europe have published the 5th annual State of Open Source in Europe, delivering crucial data on navigating these operational mandates.
 
Digital sovereignty is now a strategic priority for 94% of European organizations, driven heavily by security and privacy concerns. Meanwhile, AI adoption is accelerating open source engagement: 76% of organizations report AI tools help them extract greater value from their existing open source software. Crucially, governance maturity pays off, as organizations with advanced governance achieve a 4.6x benefit-to-cost return on open source, compared to 3.6x for those with no formal governance.
 
Read the report to discover how open governance drives ROI, mitigates regulatory risk, and secures long-term digital resilience. Thanks to our sponsor NeoNephos for their support of this research project!
 
Authors
  • Dr. Mirko Boehm, Linux Foundation Europe
  • Paula Grzegorzewska, Linux Foundation Europe
  • Foreword by Greg Kroah-Hartman, The Linux Foundation
Additional Resources

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