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From GitHub to GDP: A framework for measuring open source software innovation

Author

Listed:
  • Korkmaz, Gizem
  • Santiago Calderón, J. Bayoán
  • Kramer, Brandon L.
  • Guci, Ledia
  • Robbins, Carol A.

Abstract

Open source software (OSS) is software that anyone can review, modify, and distribute freely, usually with only minor restrictions such as giving credit to the creator of the work. The use of OSS is growing rapidly, due to its value in increasing firm and economy-wide productivity. Despite its widespread use, there is no standardized methodology for measuring the scope and impact of this fundamental intangible asset. This study presents a framework to measure the value of OSS using data collected from GitHub, the largest platform in the world with over 100 million developers. The data include over 7.6 million repositories where software is developed, stored, and managed. We collect information about contributors and development activity such as code changes and license detail. By adopting a cost estimation model from software engineering, we develop a methodology to generate estimates of investment in OSS that are consistent with the U.S. national accounting methods used for measuring software investment. We generate annual estimates of current and inflation-adjusted investment as well as the net stock of OSS for the 2009–2019 period. Our estimates show that the U.S. investment in 2019 was $37.8 billion with a current-cost net stock of $74.3 billion.

Suggested Citation

  • Korkmaz, Gizem & Santiago Calderón, J. Bayoán & Kramer, Brandon L. & Guci, Ledia & Robbins, Carol A., 2024. "From GitHub to GDP: A framework for measuring open source software innovation," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 53(3).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:respol:v:53:y:2024:i:3:s0048733324000039
    DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2024.104954
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    Keywords

    Open source software; Cost measurement; GitHub; Innovation; Gross domestic product; Software investment; National accounts;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C82 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Macroeconomic Data; Data Access
    • E22 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Investment; Capital; Intangible Capital; Capacity
    • H42 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Publicly Provided Private Goods
    • L17 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Open Source Products and Markets
    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights
    • O51 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - U.S.; Canada

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