Author: Federal Chancellery FC, Digital Transformation and ICT Steering DTI
Source: Em002 Strategic Guidelines Open Source Software in the Federal Administration
Publication Date: February 24, 2025
Summary Reading Time: 4 minutes
Executive Summary
The Swiss Federal Administration has adopted comprehensive strategic guidelines for Open Source Software (OSS), implementing the legal obligation to publish self-developed software. The EMBAG law has required federal authorities to disclose their source code in principle since 2023. The strategy aims to strengthen digital sovereignty, increase innovation capacity and enhance attractiveness as an IT employer. Action recommendation: Swiss companies should understand this development as a signal for increased Open Source adoption in the public sector and reconsider corresponding business models.
Main Summary
a) Core Topic & Context
The Swiss Federal Administration is modernizing its approach to Open Source Software and implementing new legal requirements. The Federal Act on Electronic Means (EMBAG) has mandated since 2023 that authorities must publish self-developed software as Open Source, except in cases of security risks or third-party rights.
b) Key Facts & Figures
• Legal basis: Article 9 EMBAG mandates source code publication since 2023
• 6 strategic objectives defined, from compliance to employer attractiveness
• 9 concrete measures established for implementation
• Over 11,700 datasets already published on opendata.swiss
• Version 1.1 replaces the initial version from 2018
• No central federal platform for code publication available (under review)
• Equal treatment of Open Source and proprietary software in procurement
• Equality of Open Source and proprietary software in procurements
c) Stakeholders & Affected Parties
Directly affected: All federal offices and administrative units of the Swiss Federal Administration Indirectly affected: Cantons, municipalities, IT service providers, software developers Target groups: Public administration nationwide, IT professionals, software vendors
d) Opportunities & Risks
Opportunities: • Enhanced collaboration between federal levels through shared codebase • Cost reduction through reuse and community development • Increased innovation speed through modern Open Source technologies • Strengthening digital sovereignty and reducing vendor dependencies
Risks: • Additional effort for documentation and community management • Security challenges in code publication • Legal complexity regarding licensing issues
e) Action Relevance
For IT service providers: Adaptation of business models to Open Source support and services required For software vendors: Consideration of Open Source requirements in tenders Time-critical: Federal authorities must develop implementation plans by end of 2025 Procurement: New fact sheets and processes for EMBAG-compliant tenders implemented
Fact Check
✅ Verified: EMBAG law has been in force since 2023 (SR 172.019)
✅ Confirmed: opendata.swiss portal with over 11,700 datasets active
✅ Current: Strategy document from February 24, 2025 is the latest version
Supplementary Research
Based on current developments, there is a Europe-wide trend toward Open Source in public administration. Germany has established a similar platform with open-code.de, and the EU promotes Open Source initiatives within the framework of its Digital Decade.
Bibliography
Primary Source: • Em002 Strategic Guidelines Open Source Software in the Federal Administration
Supplementary Sources: • EMBAG Law (SR 172.019) • Opendata.swiss Portal • Open Source Study Switzerland 2024
Verification Status: ✅ Facts checked on February 24, 2025