Andrew Wichmann - Standardizing Open Source Impact Metrics:

Standardizing Open Source Impact Metrics: A Framework for Academic Technology Transfer Offices

As universities increasingly embrace open source software for knowledge dissemination and societal impact, technology transfer offices (TTOs) face a critical challenge: how to effectively measure and communicate the economic and social value of university-originated open source projects. Unlike traditional intellectual property metrics, open source initiatives require new frameworks that capture their unique pathways to impact, from community adoption to commercial spinouts. By establishing common measurement standards, TTOs can collectively demonstrate the substantial economic impact of university open source initiatives, justify investment in open source support infrastructure, and position themselves as essential enablers in the evolving landscape of academic innovation and knowledge transfer.

This ongoing research considers how to develop a standardized metrics framework specifically designed for academic tech transfer contexts, addressing the urgent need for consistent measurement approaches across institutions. Drawing from multi-institutional case studies and industry partnerships, the paper presents current progress in developing a comprehensive set of quantitative and qualitative indicators that capture the impact of university open source projects. The paper will demonstrate how standardized metrics will enable TTOs to make data-driven decisions about resource allocation, identify high-potential projects for targeted support, and effectively communicate open source value to university leadership and external stakeholders. It will also discuss pathways for adoption of the standards across the academic tech transfer community.