Open Source & Digital Sovereignty: Lessons Learned

Open Source & Digital Sovereignty: Lessons Learned

May 12, 2026
What have we really learned from Open Source in the public domain? Under the leadership of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK), the government actively promotes its use. But what does it deliver, where do we learn from each other, and where do the biggest challenges lie?
2026-06-04 Speaker Announcement Jacco Brouwer en Gina Plat

Our public sector, led by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK), actively develops and endorses the use of Open Source. But why is this so important? Where do we truly learn from each other—and where do the real challenges lie?

Migrating towards Open Source is far from simple, especially when your entire IT stack has long been built around a single vendor or solution.

In this breakout session, Jacco Brouwer (Policy Coordinator Cloud & Digitalisation, NSD at VNG) and Gina Plat (OPSO Program Manager at BZK) share hands‑on insights into Open Source developments—with a special focus on Dutch municipalities.

They will explore real‑world experiences, policy realities, and practical lessons learned from moving towards more digital sovereignty and vendor independence.

In this breakout session, you will:
✅ Learn why Open Source is a key pillar for digital sovereignty
✅ Understand the policy and practical drivers behind Open Source adoption in the public sector
✅ Discover where migrations succeed—and where they struggle
✅ Gain concrete lessons from municipalities already on this journey

This deep dive is essential for CIOs, CDOs, enterprise architects and IT leaders navigating sovereignty, Open Source strategy, and complex legacy environments.

Curious about what Open Source can really deliver—and what it demands from your organization?
Join this insightful breakout session at the Annual Day!

👉 Join this break-out session!
Check whether your organization is a member and register directly online or via bureau@cio-platform.nl.

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