An interesting article appeared recently about succession plans for the Linux kernel project. We’ve all been very fortunate, until now, that Linus Torvalds has remained both able and willing to continue leadership of the project. The Linux project is the most important open source project in the world. It also arguably represents the most valuable piece of intellectual property in the world, forming the basis for internet computing, scientific endeavors, global cooperation–not to mention many COSS businesses.

Like businesses, the best open source projects have a potentially indefinite life–whereas humans do not. The cultural tendency for open source projects to be run by a BDFL (benevolent dictator for life) has created a watershed that will soon be upon us. As the first generation of project leaders ages out, there will be a lot of churn in the BDFL role in the next decade. Open source project leaders stop leading their projects for all sorts of reasons: health problems, burnout, better opportunities, and shuffling off to the great development environment in the sky. The best projects need a succession plan.

It’s never to early to start grooming your successors. That may sound crazy when you are just starting a project or a COSS company, but succession planning is important, because continuity is crucial to everyone in your community. Alternatively, you should expect forks, or to need a wind-down plan.

Here are a couple of interesting articles discussing the two alternatives.

How to develop the FOSS leaders of the future, by Vicky Brasseur

Winding Down an Open Source Project, by the Linux Foundation