Switzerland Mandates Open-Source for Public Services Code, Data, and APIs

Core Concepts

Switzerland has passed a new law (EMBAG) mandating that all source code developed by public administration must be open-sourced, following the lead of Bulgaria and promoting transparency and collaboration.

Abstract

The content discusses Switzerland's decision to open-source public service source codes, data, and APIs. Key points:

Seven years ago, Bulgaria became the first European country to open-source public service source codes.
This year, Switzerland has passed a new law called EMBAG (EN) that mandates the open-sourcing of all source code developed by public administration.
The law has only a few exceptions, where the open-sourcing cannot infringe on third-party rights or pose security risks.
The open-source licenses used must permit free use, development, and distribution of the code.
This move is seen as an important step towards greater transparency and potential for collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Switzerland is known for its democratic processes, including frequent referendums on important changes, which likely contributed to this decision.
The event has been widely missed by the media, but it follows Bulgaria's lead and represents a significant shift towards open government in Switzerland.

Stats

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Quotes

"The new law, called EMBAG (EN) madates that every source code developed by public administration should be open sourced."
"The code has to be published on a licence that permits using, developing and distributing it free of charge. It's quite permissive and can open new ways for cooperation between public…"

Key Insights Distilled From

🇨🇭 Switzerland Goes Open Source

by Tom Smykowsk... at tomaszs2.medium.com 07-21-2024

https://tomaszs2.medium.com/switzerland-goes-open-source-58a58046024f

Deeper Inquiries

What potential benefits and challenges might Switzerland face in implementing this open-source policy across its public services?

Implementing an open-source policy across its public services in Switzerland can bring several benefits. Firstly, it promotes transparency and accountability within the government as citizens can access and review the source code of public services. This can help in building trust between the government and its citizens. Additionally, open-sourcing public service code can lead to cost savings as it allows for collaboration and reuse of code across different departments. It also fosters innovation as developers from both the public and private sectors can contribute to improving the codebase.
However, Switzerland may also face challenges in implementing this policy. One major challenge is ensuring the security of the open-source code. Making the code public may expose vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors. Therefore, the government must invest in robust security measures to protect the code. Another challenge is the potential resistance from government agencies or employees who may be hesitant to share their code openly. Overcoming this resistance and promoting a culture of collaboration and openness within the government may require significant effort and resources.

How might this decision impact the relationship between the Swiss government and its citizens, as well as private sector partners?

The decision to open-source public service code in Switzerland can have a positive impact on the relationship between the government and its citizens. By making the code accessible to the public, the government demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability. Citizens can review the code, provide feedback, and even suggest improvements, which can lead to a more participatory and inclusive governance process. This increased transparency can help build trust and confidence in the government among the citizens.
Moreover, this decision can also strengthen the relationship between the Swiss government and private sector partners. Open-sourcing public service code creates opportunities for collaboration between the government and private companies, leading to the development of innovative solutions and services. Private sector partners can contribute their expertise and resources to improve the codebase, leading to better public services for the citizens. This collaboration can also stimulate economic growth and create new business opportunities in the technology sector.

What other countries or regions might follow Switzerland's lead in open-sourcing public sector code, and what broader implications could this have for government transparency and collaboration globally?

Switzerland's decision to open-source public sector code may inspire other countries or regions to adopt similar policies. Countries with a strong emphasis on transparency, innovation, and digital governance may be more inclined to follow Switzerland's lead. For example, countries in Scandinavia, known for their progressive policies, may consider implementing open-source initiatives in their public sector.
The broader implications of this trend towards open-sourcing public sector code globally are significant. It can lead to increased government transparency and accountability, as citizens have access to the inner workings of public services. This can help in combating corruption and inefficiency within government agencies. Additionally, open-sourcing public sector code can foster collaboration and knowledge sharing between governments, leading to the development of best practices and standards in digital governance. Overall, this trend can contribute to a more open, efficient, and innovative public sector worldwide.