Benefits, Challenges, and Implications of Open-Source Software for Health-Tech Startups: An Empirical Study

Abstract

AbstractHealth-tech startups are essential, as they provide cutting-edge solutions to numerous healthcare concerns in the rapidly evolving healthcare industry. They use various technologies to create solutions that boost and advance healthcare systems and healthcare delivery. Open-source software (OSS) technology has become an essential component of startups’ toolkits, providing various advantages, such as free access to source codes and opportunities for innovation. Research on OSS in healthcare startups is limited, so our study aims to investigate how health-tech startups perceive the influence of OSS on product development and to identify the challenges they face. To meet this objective, we conducted an empirical study with six health-tech startups, using semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was performed on the collected data to identify common themes and subthemes related to the research objective. The findings showed that health-tech startups benefit from the cost efficiency, scalability, and customization of OSS. Open-source software tools, reshape development and promote efficient code management, provide community support, and reduce costs. However, they demand OSS knowledge, management of updates, regulatory compliance, and heightened cybersecurity. Our study adds to the body of knowledge on OSS and healthcare startups and the connection between them. We provide recommendations for health-tech startups, such as embracing OSS tools for their benefits, investing in education and training, and engaging with the OSS community for comprehensive support in their product development processes.