The FUSS Project (Free Upgrade for a Digitally Sustainable School) celebrates its 20th anniversary this year (2005‑2025), a significant milestone for an initiative that has revolutionised the approach to technology in the schools of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano. Since 2005, FUSS has provided a complete GNU/Linux solution, allowing students and teachers to use the same computing tools at home and at school, without additional costs for families.
A Model of Sustainable Digitalisation
FUSS is not only an operating system; it is a project that promotes digital sustainability and technological sovereignty. By using free software and open formats, the project has made innovative and inclusive teaching possible, ensuring that schools can manage their digital resources autonomously. This approach has avoided dependence on proprietary solutions and encouraged a democratic sharing model.
Impacts and Recognitions
In the last twenty years, FUSS has had a significant impact not only in schools but also in the broader community. It has received numerous endorsements and recognitions, such as approval from the European Parents Association, which highlighted the importance of the project in protecting the digital rights of students and families. It is a member of the Italian Government initiatives Digital Republic and Developers Italia. In 2023, FUSS was recognized as a Digital Public Good by the Digital Public Goods Alliance.
Local Synergies
At the local level, thanks to collaboration with associations such as the LUGBZ, the Vinzenzgemeischaft, the VKE, and the Polo Terraferma, FUSS has reached almost 1,000 families in the last five years, helping to reduce the existing digital divide. Initiatives like the Open and Linux Counter, Schoolswap (now SwapToLearn), and events such as MiniBZ, a miniature city for children, have demonstrated how the technologies offered by FUSS can be integrated into everyday use, work, and practical, engaging educational contexts.
Looking to the Future
With the evolution of technologies and emerging challenges in education, the FUSS Project continues to innovate. Its mission is clear: to ensure that schools not only adopt sustainable technologies but also become protagonists in defining their digital future. With the constant commitment of educators, students, and families, FUSS aims to be a model for other realities, promoting an education that is not only technologically advanced but also ethically responsible.
The 20th anniversary of the FUSS Project represents not only a moment of celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on how essential it is to continue investing in sustainability and digital sovereignty in schools.
To get to know the FUSS project up close, do not hesitate to contact us or take part in one of the upcoming events:
- Fiera Didacta Italia (Trentino Edition), Friday 24 October 2025, 14:30‑15:30
- Linux Day 2025 South Tyrol, Saturday 25 October 2025
- SFScon 2025 – International Conference, Friday and Saturday 7‑8 November 2025
- The First 20 Years of the FUSS Project – Sustainability and Digital Sovereignty in Schools, Monday 9 February 2026, 14:30‑18:00
and many more.