Method research on the transition to open source software and licensing processes in metropolitan municipalities: A case study of CAD software

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, open-source software plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of local governments. Consequently, numerous countries and public institutions are implementing incentivizing policies to promote the adoption of open-source software. Technological developments are fundamentally transforming the operations of local governments, and open-source software offers cost-effectiveness, security, and flexibility in this regard. Globally, local governments are increasingly inclined to transition to open-source solutions, both driven by economic considerations and the advantages offered by these software solutions. The primary motivation of this study is to understand the contribution of open-source software in effectively and efficiently utilizing resources and its impact on the establishment of sustainable cities. In this context, the study focuses on integrating open-source counterparts with commonly used closed-source Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software in metropolitan municipalities. The empirical part of the study involves assessing user satisfaction and economically optimized solutions through surveys conducted among units within local governments that use CAD software. This study not only provides insights into expanding the adoption of open-source software in the public sector but also serves as a resource for future research.