Successful projects and initiatives often rely on fresh data and insights to make the best possible strategic programming and budgeting decisions. Linux Foundation Research works with projects and community members to design and deliver original research studies that inform strategy and decision making, and assist in creating widespread awareness of open source’s utility and impact. LF Research has published dozens of research projects to help members of the open source community: 

• Explore how to best invest in, grow, and position a project to support the needs of its community;
• Determine the best courseware to provide the most value to a project community;
• Understand project penetration rates, to tune project development strategies and influence investment;
• Ensure market relevance of frameworks and definitions;
• Measure and advocate for open source involvement and investment; and
• Communicate the differences between open and closed infrastructure and how the open approach drives innovation.