Open source software now constitutes a significant portion of digital infrastructure, with 97% of modern code bases using open source components. Its role has become increasingly important for both the public and private sectors, as organizations seek to reduce their reliance on foreign technology suppliers and promote digital sovereignty in Europe.
The economic value of open source software is difficult to quantify due to its non-monetary nature and lack of centralized monitoring. However, in the European Union, the open source market is estimated to be worth between €65 billion and €95 billion annually. If businesses were required to develop equivalent proprietary software in-house, the replacement value would be about €8.2 trillion, which is approximately 2.8 times France’s gross domestic product.
Open source software allows anyone to access, edit, and redistribute its code under specific license terms. This collaborative model involves developers, communities, businesses, and institutions contributing to technologies used in fields such as artificial intelligence, Big Data, Internet of Things, and cybersecurity.
The open source economy includes various players: communities and contributors; foundations; distributors and publishers; service providers; and large corporations like Red Hat, IBM, and Microsoft. Funding comes from donations, government subsidies, business partnerships, private companies offering support services or training modules, as well as volunteer contributions.
Open source solutions are often seen as less expensive alternatives that offer flexibility and security advantages over proprietary products. They also enhance system interoperability and transparency—features valued across sectors. However, challenges remain regarding limited training opportunities for users or developers; legal complexities around licensing; security risks; and resistance to change within large organizations.
Despite its widespread use in digital infrastructure, open source software still lacks visibility and institutional support. This undervaluation affects how public authorities perceive it as a strategic asset.
Europe holds a strong position globally in open source development with 18.5 million contributors—15.4% of the worldwide total—and France leading regional growth with a 20% increase in active communities during 2024. According to the European Commission’s analysis cited in the press release: "A 10% increase in European contributions to the open source ecosystem would generate as much as 0.6% in additional GDP, equating to nearly €100 billion."
Rising interest in economic independence has driven greater adoption of open source tools across Europe amid geopolitical tensions and concerns over data protection or technological power concentrated among non-European firms.
Supporting open source initiatives is viewed by stakeholders as a way to advance Europe’s digital transformation while maintaining sovereignty over critical infrastructure—a perspective echoed by studies from Harvard Business School that estimate global market value at $8.8 trillion.
Open source remains central for those seeking adaptable systems capable of supporting secure operations independently from major international tech companies.