Open source technologies as the key to future-proof administration

The TYPO3 project was already represented at SCCON 2024 with its own exhibition stand. Photo: TYPO3

The modernisation of public administration requires not only technological advances, but also a sustainable digital infrastructure that can adapt to changes. Public authorities and municipal organisations are increasingly turning to open-source technologies in order to reduce costs, avoid dependence on individual providers and strengthen digital sovereignty.

A key advantage of open source software is its high level of transparency: the openly accessible source code makes it possible to fully understand how the systems work - an aspect that is particularly important in terms of data protection and digital sovereignty. Particularly in the European context, in which the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets clear standards, many public institutions are specifically focussing on open source solutions in order to protect user data and not pass it on to commercial providers. However, bureaucratic processes often slow down the introduction of such systems. At the same time, accessibility, data security and automation require a rethink of established processes and demand that organisations actively develop their structures.

Further development through close dialogue

‘Close collaboration between the administration, IT service providers and the open source community is crucial for success in order to provide modern, sustainable solutions faster and more effectively,’ says Daniel Fau from TYPO3. As an established open source platform with European roots, over 35 per cent of the German government's digital infrastructure is currently based on TYPO3 CMS, which has been specially developed to meet the requirements of the public sector. The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) uses TYPO3 as a content management system (CMS) for the ‘Building Information Modelling’ (BIM) platform for federal trunk road construction. The website not only offers comprehensive information, but also functions such as event management and a blog that promote dialogue with experts.

‘The increasing use of TYPO3 in the public sector - for example through Government Site Builder 11 (GSB 11) - shows that open systems are the key to efficient, flexible and future-proof digital administration,’ says Fau. Thanks to open standards and interfaces, the software can be integrated into existing administrative processes and promotes inter-institutional collaboration, which can accelerate digitalisation.

‘In addition, the active TYPO3 community enables continuous further development of the CMS in line with the specific requirements of the public sector. This reduces innovation cycles and ensures that administrations can benefit from the latest developments without being tied to individual providers,’ says Fau.