Digital sovereignty is a major issue for France. Initiatives such as CollabNext or IS Suites, supported by the State, are intended to be responses to the country’s delay. They rely largely on open source software, which can contribute significantly to digital autonomy (if not guaranteeing sovereignty). Above all, these initiatives face a major challenge: the domination of GAFAM. It is therefore the involvement of the State and the synergies within initiatives like CollabNext, which will influence the large-scale adoption of open source solutions to ensure digital sovereignty.
Let’s take stock of the subject, a few days after the Open Source Experience.
CollabNext, a French collaborative consortium, has emerged as a key initiative in the debate on digital sovereignty. The project aims to unite the forces of French technological players, including several publishers of open source solutions, to create sovereign solutions competitive with GAFAM. However, despite its ambitions, CollabNext navigates a complex environment, marked by strong international competition and challenges inherent to collaboration between its members. This reality raises questions about its ability to transform these aspirations into tangible results.
The French government, by supporting three initiatives of this type (CollabNext, IS Suites and Wimi) displays its commitment to open source and underlines the urgency linked to the reconquest of French digital sovereignty or at least initially, of autonomy. However, the extent and effectiveness of this support is open to debate. Voices are being raised to demand a more integrated European strategy, arguing that national efforts could prove insufficient in the face of well-established global players. The dilution of state support for several different initiatives also raises questions.
Open source and digital sovereignty: a more complex relationship than it seems
Open source, touted for its transparency and security, is at the heart of data sovereignty concerns. However, open source does not automatically guarantee digital sovereignty. Major challenges persist, particularly in terms of data governance and local technical capacities to maintain and develop these technologies.
It is essential to recognize that open source is not a silver bullet, but rather a philosophy, a commitment that, if properly understood, can contribute significantly to digital autonomy. France, by supporting initiatives based on open source, is taking an important step. However, it must also invest in training, research and development to maximize benefits.
The future of open source and the vision of the French market
Open source in France therefore seems to have a bright future, with growing adoption in various sectors, including the public. However, this future depends heavily on the ability to create an ecosystem supporting innovation and collaboration between publishers. The open source approach remains differently appreciated by companies depending on their size and sector. This also implies a personalized approach for its adoption, particularly in large private sector organizations.
The role of businesses, in tandem with public action, will therefore be essential in shaping the future of sovereignty and digital autonomy. Publishers must not only develop technologies, but also create synergies, promote open standards and ensure quality education around open source issues. The success of this approach requires a strategic vision and sustained commitment from all stakeholders.
Build from proven open source solutions
Although initiatives like CollabNext and open source represent founding elements for French sovereignty and digital autonomy, their success will depend on the ability to overcome significant challenges and establish effective collaboration between the different actors. The future of open source in France, supported by the State, appears promising, but requires a balanced and realistic approach to reach its full potential.
While waiting to see these initiatives come to fruition, companies can already build their own solutions, using the main ingredients: proven open source business software, a guarantee of transparency and control, associated with trusted cloud hosting. The Open Source Experience show, which was held in Paris from December 6 to 7, was the opportunity to confirm this.