What is open-source software? Is that different from Free Software? And, can we trust something "open" to support public services? In our experiences promoting the IDB Code for Development initiative, we have heard these questions and others like them. The dynamic and collaborative nature within the technological ecosystem sometimes contributes to confusion. That is why we … [Read more...] about Free software? Open source? We answer your questions
Open Source at the IDB
The latest posts related to working in open source for social and economic development as well as stories about how governments and citizens are developing and reusing software for the public in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Also, read more about the IDB's open-source initiative Code for Development.
Share your code to improve tax administration
One of the main sources of municipal government income is the property tax or real estate tax, although in most of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) the value collected has a low relative weight with respect to GDP, on average 0.39% of GDP vs 1.1% in OECD countries. In more than 16,000 municipal governments throughout LAC, there is a strong demand for … [Read more...] about Share your code to improve tax administration
(Re)use that code! Join the IDB Code Expedition
What if code and digital tools that the IDB and others have created were published and made freely available for governments and citizens to use, repurpose, and adapt to address our Region’s development challenges? Imagine, for instance, an app built to digitalize administrative processes in Chile could be used by … [Read more...] about (Re)use that code! Join the IDB Code Expedition
Open-source Solutions to Improve Children’s Lives
Leer blogpost en español By Cynthia Jaggi, Founder, GatherWell The term open source refers to the process of developing software and making it free and available for everyone to contribute on writing its code or adapt it for reuse in a different context. As some developers argue, the “open source way” is all about exchanging ideas and collaborating with others who can improve … [Read more...] about Open-source Solutions to Improve Children’s Lives
The IDB is committed to the open source model for development
In recent years, the Inter-American Development Bank has stepped up its efforts to open and share its knowledge about Latin America and the Caribbean. This is so that anyone can access and take advantage of our publications, data and courses from the Bank's website. Continuing with this strategy of openness, today, I am pleased to introduce a new knowledge-based product from … [Read more...] about The IDB is committed to the open source model for development