Research: Open source solutions in Poland

Research project carried out by Centrum Cyfrowe as part of the Tech Sovereignty Task Force PL, a coalition comprising the Panoptykon Foundation, CoopTech Hub (CTH), and the Centrum Cyfrowe Foundation.

Although Poland is one of the leaders in digitalization within Central and Eastern Europe, a significant part of the tools driving our economy, public administration, and education system rely on solutions over which we lack full control. Furthermore, the automation of state services and the adoption of advanced artificial intelligence systems have gained significant momentum in recent years. Dependence on global corporations means that key infrastructure – connecting public administration and citizens – is often subject to foreign jurisdictions, private interests, and volatile geopolitical shifts, rather than being accountable to the society that relies on it.

Building an independent, transparent digital environment is essential for national security and a resilient, democratic society. The most effective way to establish such infrastructure is to adopt open source principles and foster collaboration with the Polish open-source community. Notably, this is a goal outlined in the draft “Poland’s Digitalization Strategy until 2035” (Ministry of Digital Affairs, Oct 2024); however, realizing this vision requires concrete actions from all stakeholders.

The “Open source solutions in Poland” project aims to research and support domestic open source initiatives. We seek to understand the development of the Polish open-source ecosystem while bridging the gap between grassroots technological innovation and high-level legislative initiatives.

The study will consist of:

• Analysis and mapping of the Polish open-source environment: Researching the practices of open-technology creators through desk research and in-depth interviews with expert practitioners from the tech industry, NGOs, and the public sector. This stage aims to identify high-potential innovations, uncover barriers to implementation, and map the economic benefits of transitioning away from proprietary licenses.
• Development of recommendations: Expert insights and practical data will be translated into specific policy recommendations and legal proposals – particularly regarding public procurement – so that state funds can be invested in open technological solutions more effectively.

The final report will be published in both Polish and English.

In collaboration with our partners, we will organize networking and knowledge-sharing events. These workshops and meetings (both open to the public and by invitation only) will serve as a platform for exchanging best practices and fostering cooperation between developers, social activists, and public administrators. They will also provide an opportunity to showcase the potential of Polish open-source innovations and present our project recommendations.

The research project “Open Source Solutions in Poland” is conducted by Centrum Cyfrowe as part of the Tech Sovereignty Task Force PL coalition: Panoptykon Foundation, CoopTech Hub (CTH), and the Centrum Cyfrowe Foundation. The project is carried out thanks to the support of Civitates. The European Democracy Fund.