The Importance and Economic Advantages of Using National Open Source Software in Public Institutions

Open Source Software (OSS) stands out as a robust alternative in public institutions, offering significant advantages in terms of cost efficiency, independence, and security. This study examines the use of national open-source software in public institutions from economic, strategic, and operational perspectives, evaluating its contributions to digital transformation processes. Analyses of projects such as Pardus, Ahtapot, Engerek, and Liderahenk reveal that these solutions eliminate licensing costs, generate substantial budget savings, support the domestic software industry, and enhance technological independence. Moreover, these software solutions provide flexibility for customization based on user needs and strengthen data security. However, challenges such as infrastructure transformation costs, the need for technical expertise, and limited community support emerge as significant barriers to the implementation of open-source software. The study aims to contribute to informed decision-making in digitalization processes by offering strategic recommendations for the broader adoption of open-source software in public institutions.