Toolkit for Measuring the Impacts of Public Funding for FOSS
Session Abstract
Introducing a practical toolkit for measuring the impacts of public funding for FOSS development, based on firsthand insights from EU and German funding initiatives and methodologies developed by the CHAOSS project. Learn how to assess social, economic, and technological outcomes for evidence-based FOSS funding strategies in the public interest.
Session Description
This talk presents practical approaches for measuring the impact of public funding on FOSS development, based on experiences with the Next Generation Internet initiative by the European Commission, Sovereign Tech Agency by the German Government, and community health measurement by the CHAOSS project at the Linux Foundation. We will explore how to assess multiplier effects, evaluate return on public investment, and apply community health metrics to demonstrate the value of public funding for FOSS development and maintenance. Furthermore, we will discuss quantitative and qualitative methods for measuring social, economic, and technological outcomes of different public funding initiatives (e.g. funding for maintenance, security, and innovation). We will also address common challenges in impact measurement, from data collection to attribution of outcomes, and share practical solutions from our first-hand experience. The session will benefit both public funders seeking to optimise their FOSS funding strategies and OSS projects looking to demonstrate the impact of public funding.
