Open Standards in Government IT: A Review of the Evidence

Martin Kretschmer, Centre for Intellectual Property Policy & Management (CIPPM) - Bournemouth University, and Sally Weston, Centre for Intellectual Property Policy & Management (CIPPM) - Bournemouth University

9/14/2012
(Original Publish Date: 7/12/2012)

Although there is a lack of quantitative evidence on expected cost savings from adopting open standards there are abundant examples where an open standards policy has been adopted with consequent various benefits, and the literature identifies few downside risks. The challenges appear to lie in the manner of implementation so that potential pitfalls, such as adopting the wrong standard, are avoided while maximising potential gains from increased interoperability, such as more competitive procurement and benefits to SMEs and citizens. Conventionally, adopting the "right" single standard has been seen as the best approach but it is less certain whether this remains the case. Standards should give more interoperability both within and possibly across standards, and mandating one standard may merely replace supplier lock-in with standard lock-in while missing the benefits to users of optimising their choice of software. It is recommended that there should be further research in this area of implementation. Another area for consideration is what policy and practice to adopt on FRAND and RF. Adopting FRAND can be justified on the ground that it gives the most choice, but there are considerable risks as the owners of the IPR will have rights (magnified by being part of a standard) which could conflict with the users interests. The use of RF standards where available and commercially viable has advantages and should be encouraged. Policies that might be adopted include preferring RF standards and/or open source software solutions, or a more general policy of encouraging open standards and/or open source suppliers in public procurement through dissemination of information and pilot projects.