Software Público Brasilerio (SPB): The State in the Commons (WSL 2013)

Authors

Daniel O'Maley (VU)

Abstract

This paper offers a brief overview of the Software Público Brasileiro (SPB) initiative launched in 2004 that aims to spread the use of free and opensource software (FOSS) by creating a new legal framework and business model that treats software as a public good. It examines the initiative in terms of government efforts to expand the knowledge commons in the form of FOSS. An analysis of the SPB initiative offers a window on both the current status of FOSS promotion by the Brazilian federal government as well as insights on the potential role of the state in defending the commons.

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