By now, it’s almost common sense that open source software (OSS) is accelerating the shift toward software-defined vehicles. But while its benefits – such as innovation, cost sharing, efficiency, and sustainability – are undeniable, OSS in the automotive industry also presents challenges. The third instalment of our survey report series on open source adoption in the sector uncovers key hurdles, from integration complexities to governance concerns, while also highlighting potential solutions. Keep reading to discover what is holding OSS back – and how the industry can drive forward with confidence!
Open Source: An Engine for Automotive Innovation
Why is OSS gaining traction in the automotive world? According to the survey findings, decision makers and developers agree on the top reasons:
- Improved Performance – OSS fosters standardisation and innovation, making vehicles more efficient.
- Enhanced Security – Open ecosystems allow for more robust security practices, reducing risks associated with proprietary silos.
- Flexibility & Customisation – For automakers, OSS frees up resources, allowing them to tailor software to their needs, creating differentiated products without vendor lock-in.
- Cost Savings & Sharing – By eliminating hefty licensing and development fees, OSS lowers total cost of ownership (TCO) and speeds up development.
However, some of these strengths of OSS are a double-edged sword, as they also present challenges that require the attention and investment of automakers.
OSS Is Not Plug-and-Play
While the promise of OSS is undeniable, adopting it at scale isn’t without hurdles. Here’s where survey participants identified roadblocks:
Realtime performance and scalability – Decision makers (31%) and software professionals (33%) alike perceive this as the number one challenge.
Integration complexity – Mixing OSS with proprietary and legacy systems can be challenging, say 31% of decision makers and 25% of software professionals.
Developers want better tooling, documentation, and standardisation of communication protocols to simplify the integration process and reduce complexities.
Trust & governance – Without clear leadership and governance and unpredictable roadmaps, OSS projects can struggle with credibility, making decision makers hesitant.
These challenges highlight a key takeaway: OSS is not a plug-and-play solution – it requires investment in infrastructure, expertise, and strategic planning.
How Foundations Keep It on Track
So, who will make sure OSS projects stay well regulated and industry-ready?
The survey revealed that open source foundations play a crucial role in supporting OSS projects by providing:
- Project and technical support – infrastructure, security reviews, and development resources keep OSS projects stable and reliable. Decision makers and software professionals ranked this as the top service foundations can provide.
- Community building was also highly ranked by both participant groups – foundations help cultivate active, engaged communities that drive innovation forward, providing guidance and relevant training for new contributors and open source users.
- Governance & credibility – strong leadership ensures long-term stability, funding, and widespread adoption, helping address the unpredictability of open source projects that is perceived by many stakeholders as a key challenge.
By working alongside foundations, automotive companies can mitigate risks and tap into an active ecosystem of developers and decision makers.
Final Thoughts: Why Investing in OSS Matters
To realise the full potential of OSS in automotive, companies must invest strategically in its success – whether that means contributing to OSS projects, enhancing integration tools, or strengthening governance. Developers should actively participate in OSS communities and foundations to obtain technical support, contribute enhancements, and sustain the projects’ long-term viability.
By addressing the challenges head-on, the automotive ecosystem can shift gears toward a more innovative, effective, and sustainable future.
Join the conversation and explore the full report to dive deeper into the data.
Download Our Previous Reports on OSS in Automotive
Report 1: Driving Innovation & Building Safer Cars with Open Source Software
