Switzerland Mandates Open Source Software for Public Sector

Switzerland has enacted the "Federal Law on the Use of Electronic Means for the Fulfilment of Governmental Tasks" (EMBAG), mandating the use of open source software (OSS) within public sector bodies. This legislative change, driven by figures such as Professor Dr. Matthias Stürmer, head of the Institute for Public Sector Transformation at the Bern University of Applied Sciences, aims to reduce vendor lock-in, promote digital business solutions, and enhance competition and innovation. Professor Stürmer, a longtime advocate for OSS, highlighted the law's potential benefits for government efficiency, taxpayer savings, and improved public services.

The EMBAG law requires public bodies to disclose the source code of software developed by or for them, barring exceptions due to third-party rights or security concerns. Article 9 of the law allows these bodies to offer additional services related to support, integration, or IT security, provided these services align with public tasks and are offered at cost-covering remuneration. 

Despite initial resistance and debates over intellectual property and security concerns, advocacy by groups such as the Parliamentarian Group for Digital Sustainability (Parldigi) led to the law's passage. Implementing EMBAG is expected to enhance digital transparency and serve as a model for other countries considering similar measures.

Read the original blog post by Professor Dr. Matthias Stürmer here.