Reimagining the digital future of public universities: experiences, perceptions and institutional factors in open-source adoption

Purpose This study aims to explore the experiences, perceptions and influencing institutional and individual factors of information technology (IT) personnel during the transition to open-source database technologies (e.g. PostgreSQL) in public universities from a qualitative perspective. Design/methodology/approach Within the scope of qualitative research, semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings While cost advantage was identified as the most significant factor in the preference for open-source systems, lack of technical knowledge, staff shortages and planning problems emerged as the main barriers. Participants emphasized the importance of training, gradual implementation and institutional support for a successful transition. Practical implications Investing not only in technical infrastructure but also in human resources and strategic planning is critical for ensuring the sustainability of the transition process. Originality/value By focusing on the perspectives of IT personnel working in public universities, this study contributes to the rarely addressed human and institutional dimensions of the transition to open-source database systems in the literature. The study, situated in the context of Turkish public universities, highlights how national policies and institutional constraints shape open-source adoption processes.