The European Commission’s Open Source Observatory (OSOR) announces the launch of The EU Public Sector Open Source Achievement Awards. With these awards, OSOR will honour exceptional open source initiatives and solutions developed for public services throughout Europe and provides a platform to showcase exemplary usage and creation of OSS, supporting its use in the public sector.
The OSOR Awards are meant for organisations and teams who:
- have successfully implemented an open source solution(s) within public administrations;
- or developed initiatives using, supporting, and advancing the use of Open Source within public services.
Public administrations at all levels, public service institutions (such as schools, universities, or hospitals), third-sector organisations crucial for the functioning of public services and working directly with administrations are invited to participate in the contest. Businesses developing the solutions can apply only together with a public-sector body they have worked with on their development.
The call for submissions is open until 21 September 2023.
The best projects will be selected in two categories:
- EU Public Sector Open Source Achievement Award, chosen by the Jury
- OSOR Community Award voted by OSOR users and the public via Joinup platform.
The winners of the EU Public Sector Open Source Achievement Award will be determined by a jury, while the winner of the OSOR Community Award will be chosen by the public through a vote on the Joinup platform. This online vote will be open from 29 September to 26 October giving you a chance to voice your support for your favourite open source solution and initiative.
For more information about the OSOR Awards, eligibility and selection criteria, and how to submit projects, please check the Awards page and Procedure Guide.
The winners will be announced in Brussels on 21 November 2023 at OSOR’s anniversary conference Open Source Observatory turns 15: from pioneering to mainstreaming open technologies in public services. The event will bring together stakeholders from the EU Member States public administrations, European Institutions, and open source communities, associations, and businesses.
The six finalists of the Achievement Award and the winner of the Community Award will be invited to present their work at the final session of this event. It will be concluded with the Awards ceremony. The travel and accommodation costs of the representatives of selected projects will be covered.
The OSOR Awards provides recognition, publicity, networking opportunities, and potential new development prospects for the selected projects. Participation is a unique opportunity for organisations and individuals to showcase their exceptional open source solutions and initiatives for public administrations in Europe.
