The Open Source Observatory is organising an upcoming online workshop on 20 October 2025 dedicated to exploring public procurement strategies for open source software.

Public procurement is a powerful tool to foster the adoption of open source solutions — but how can open source solutions be effectively integrated into public procurement frameworks? What approaches are public administrations already using, and what practical steps can support long-term, sustainable adoption? This session will delve into these questions through real-world examples and shared experiences from across the European open source ecosystem.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Hear insights from public administrations and organisations in Europe on how they approach the procurement of open source software;
• Engage with peers from public sector bodies, tech agencies, and open source communities to exchange best practices and practical solutions.

Programme:

• The European Commission will explain how open source requirements are incorporated in EU tenders, and how open source can be explored in the Public Procurement Data Space;
• The Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities will share practical insights from municipalities, and lessons from Finland’s open source procurement guide