The document summarizes the Osepa project, which aims to create synergies around open source software (OSS) adoption among public administrations in Europe. The project brings together partners from various countries and experience levels to share perspectives on technical, policy and other barriers to OSS adoption. Expected results include surveys of OSS usage, procurement guidelines, conferences, and recommendations to support a European strategy for public sector use of open source.

1. towards
a more
efficcient
Europe
Osepa project: creating sinergies in Europe

2. Fundecyt, the foundation for the
Development of Science and Technology in
Extremadura, from
1995
Fundecyt
And following the Strategy of the
Society of the Information in the
and the region,
Open works in several initiatives related on
Source
the promotion of FOSS, from
different perspectives: social inclusion,
Software interregional cooperation,
international cooperation...
Some Examples:
Osepa Project
FLOSS Include
CYDETYS

3. ARGUMENTS
- Important technical, managerial and
Why a
psychological/perceptional barriers.
debate on
- Overall penetration of FOSS remains low.
Only local or regional level attempts.
FOSS - Need to inform, share and cross-border
for Public
collaborate.
- Need for infrastructures at European
level, supporting networking and exchange
of experiences and good practices.
Administrations?
- Need to facilitate discussions between
the staff and the policy makers in PAs.

4. purpose - Examine how / whether public
of policies can alleviate barriers
the
rendering the potential benefits of
FOSS
osepa - Discuss on issues and priorities
project regarding the use of FOSS by a
significant number of European
public administrations.
As a consequence of - Contribute to a European
these needs, Osepa strategy towards open source.
decided to work on: -Influence regional cohesion and
development policies at regional,
national, European level.

5. Coverage: East / West / North / South.
the
Size: Big / small.
osepa
Experience: Experienced, less
experienced, inexperienced.
partne
Motives: Driven by curiosity, interest,
commitment, knowledge built up,
rship
strategy, money and travel.
Involvement: Includes end-users.
Strengths of the
consortium:
Heterogeneous,
Representative
balanced

6. Politicians and experts from the
Osepa: FOSS Community signed a
common Manifesto during the
an last Osepa Conference in
opportunity Extremadura:
for
sharing 1. New technologies, a resource that will allow public
perspectives
administrations to reach in a better way citizens needs.
2. A commitment to create awareness in our own
territories about the benefits of Open Software for the
territories' development.
3. To establish the measures necessaries to implement
Free Software in their own organizations.
4. To make the citizenship aware of our commitment of
using Open Source, informing about the possibilities it can
bring to enhance the public services.
5.To democratize the use of new technologies by all
citizens since they allow the government to exercise its
functions in a more universal and more efficient way. Free
software is an important part of this process of
democratization.

7. main
expected - A Survey of current FOSS usage
in at least 20 EU countries.
results - A requirements analysis and
guidelines on software
procurement policies of European
Public Administrations.
- Two European conferences to
explore the strategic impact of
development
FOSS adoption and relate it to the
strategy: existing European Public
Administrations’ technology and
service environments.
- Interregional events (9 Workshops, 6 Study Visits & 6 Site Visits) aiming to
facilitate exchange of experiences.
- Good Practice Guide on FOSS use among European Public Administrations.
- Analysis and recommendations on European and National Policies and practices
on FOSS.

8. the
osepa
partne
rship
Strengths of the THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION!
consortium: Cristina Gallardo Rey
cristina@fundecyt.es
Knowledge Society Area
Fundecyt
www.fundecyt.es