15 May 2026 00:00:00 +0100

In this monthly Software Freedom Podcast episode we are talking with the Nordic Institute for Interoperability Solutions (NIIS) and their X-Road, a Free Software well-used in public institutions. Together with Johannes Näder from the FSFE, and Petteri Kivimäki (NIIS) we discussed the current challenges that Free and Open Source Projects meet in public institutions.Support FSFE: https://my.fsfe.org/support

SFP#51: Policy and EU: The challenges for public code in public administration!

In this monthly Software Freedom Podcast episode we are talking with the Nordic Institute for Interoperability Solutions (NIIS) and their X-Road, a Free Software well-used in public institutions. Together with Johannes Näder from the FSFE, and Petteri Kivimäki (NIIS) we discussed the current challenges that Free and Open Source Projects meet in public institutions.

With the SFP#51 the FSFE dives into the topic of digital sovereignty through Free Software and the current challenges for Free Software projects in public administrations. X-Road, maintained by NIIS, is a well-used Free and Open Source Software project in public institutions. It is used in severral countries and has a stable development through the organisation with the support of eight public bodies. Meanwhile, the FSFE's initiative "Public Money? Public Code!" is gaining more attention and becoming a well-used phrase in political discussions.

Still Free Software is not yet adopted in all the institutions and there are several challenges ahead for the Free Software ecosystem. With our 51st episode Johannes, Petteri and Bonnie take a deep look at those challenges and how some could be overcome.

The FSFE's policy work is an important part of our aim to safeguard Software Freedom. You can support our work by donating today!

Show notes

Support our work for Free Software

Public Money? Public Code!

PMPC Brochure with X-Road

Nordic Institute for Interoperability Solutions (NIIS)

X-Road®

X-Road (Github repository)

39C3 Lightning Talks Day 2 with X-Road

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