As defined by Opensource.com, the concept of open-source refers to “something that people can modify and share because its design is publicly accessible.” Specifically applied to digital technology, open-source software is, at its core, software that is freely available to inspect, use, modify, and distribute. The source code is publicly available, inviting collective contribution and continuous improvement. 

This contrasts with proprietary software, where the software code is locked away and tightly controlled by a single entity. This limits the ability of users to adapt the software to changing needs or make upgrades or improvements without intervention from the original owner or developer. Think of it like buying an iPhone - it's well-designed and functional, but you can't modify or tweak it to suit your needs unless the manufacturer decides to do it for you. This type of software model can lead to vendor lock-in, higher licensing costs, and slower innovation cycles, as improvements and updates are solely dependent on the vendor's priorities and timelines. 

The open-source philosophy is rooted in community, transparency, and shared problem-solving. Imagine building a science project with Play Doh that anyone can reshape, improve, or repurpose—that’s the essence of open-source.

Open source software powers major platforms like Google Android, Mozilla Firefox, and even government systems such as Estonia's X-Road and Brazil’s e-SUS primary care information system. Some other classic examples of open-source technologies include:

• LibreOffice – a free and powerful office productivity suite that allows users to create, edit, and share documents without licensing fees. LibreOffice continues the legacy of OpenOffice, with more frequent updates and an active development community
• Apache Web Server – software that delivers web pages to users, used by millions of websites for its reliability, performance, and flexibility.
• LAMP stack – a powerful open-source combination of Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP that enables developers to build and host dynamic websites and applications.

Why Open Source? Understanding the Motivations

Before diving into the practical benefits of open-source, it's worth asking: why would individuals and organizations dedicate countless hours to build software they give away for free? What compels such collaborative generosity in a competitive digital world?

The open-source movement is driven by a powerful mix of philosophical, practical, and economic motivations. For many, it's about democratizing technology—ensuring that access to software tools and resources is not restricted by paid subscriptions, paywalls or corporate control. For others, it’s about transparency and trust: when the source code is open, users can verify its security, improve its functionality, and adapt it to local or specialized needs.

Contributors to open-source often find value beyond monetary gain. These include opportunities to learn, build reputation, solve real-world problems, and collaborate with a global community of like-minded individuals. For companies, supporting or releasing open-source projects can lead to faster innovation, community-driven improvements, and standardization, ultimately driving adoption of their auxiliary paid services. Think about a company that gives away free coffee machines to sell the coffee pods that go with them. Similarly, companies may release open-source tools for free to encourage adoption and create a market for their complementary paid services, like cloud hosting, enterprise support, or integration tools. For example, Microsoft released free open-source coding tools (.NET Core) and manages the most popular open-source developer website (GitHub) to encourage more programmers to deploy projects on their paid cloud services platform (Azure).

For governments, open-source creates opportunities to collaborate regionally, customise and reuse software across borders, as seen with the Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA) promoting reusable, rights-respecting technologies. One notable example is DIGIT (Digital Infrastructure for Governance, Impact & Transformation), initially developed in India and now being adapted by countries like Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Both networks are directly supported by UNDP, demonstrating its commitment to inclusive and scalable digital public infrastructure.

The value chain of open-source begins with the contribution of code and documentation and extends through testing, deployment, and education—culminating in collective digital progress. The open model encourages knowledge sharing and distributed innovation, offering benefits that extend far beyond individual contributors to include businesses, governments, and society as a whole.

Practical Benefits of Open Source

From multinational corporations to national governments and even small NGOs, the potential advantages of OSS are undeniable:

1. Cost Efficiency

Open source drastically reduces licensing costs, making high-quality software accessible to everyone. For governments, this can result in substantial savings on large-scale deployments across departments and agencies. These efficiencies should also be balanced against the long-term costs of self-maintaining open-source software systems. 

2. Community and Support

Contrary to the myth that OSS lacks support, many projects (like Apache or Drupal) have vast communities, forums, and even professional services. Governments benefit from access to global expertise and the ability to collaborate on enhancements with other public institutions worldwide.

3. Adaptability and Customization

OSS allows for software to be tailored to meet unique organizational needs. Whether building HR software or public service portals, customization is key. Governments can localize solutions to reflect national languages, laws, and public needs.

4. Interoperability

Tools like LibreOffice integrate well with commercial suites, supporting diverse ecosystems. For governments, this facilitates better data sharing and coordination across ministries and agencies, which is vital for effective service delivery and digital public infrastructure.

Open Source in SIDS: The Trinidad and Tobago Example

In 2024, the Open Source Ecosystem Enabler (OSEE) selected Trinidad and Tobago as the launch site for its first Open Source Programme Office (OSPO).

Hosted by the Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence and the University of the West Indies (UWI-St. Augustine), and supported by the UNDP, ITU, and the European Union, this OSPO aims to:

• Promote open-source tools for local developers
• Provide training on OSS governance and licensing
• Strengthen the Ministry's Digital Transformation capabilities
• Build sustainable digital public infrastructure

This initiative is part of the broader UNDPSIDS 2.0 ambition to position small island states as digital leaders, and it's a powerful example of OSS enabling public value.

Key Considerations for Open Source in SIDS Governments