Linux adopts an open source continuity roadmap, defining how new maintainers will take charge if Linus Torvalds steps aside, reducing single-person risk and strengthening long-term resilience.
Linux has adopted a formal, open-source succession and continuity plan to safeguard the future of the world’s most critical open-source infrastructure, ensuring development continues smoothly if Linus Torvalds steps aside.
The move addresses a long-standing governance risk. Torvalds has served as the ultimate judge and executor of all commits to the canonical Linux repository for more than 30 years, retaining final authority over the codebase that underpins countless hardware and software products worldwide.
Drafted by Dan Williams and co-signed by Torvalds, the document defines “a plan for navigating events that affect the forward progress of the canonical Linux repository, torvalds/linux.git.” If Torvalds becomes unwilling or unable to continue, successors must step in “without delay.”
The process is structured and time-bound. The last Maintainer Summit Organizer initiates discussions, with the Linux Foundation Technical Advisory Board acting as backup. A successor discussion must begin within 72 hours, followed by a meeting of summit invitees, TAB members and additional maintainers. The chosen canonical maintainer is announced within two weeks.
Although Linux has more than 100 maintainers, decision-making has remained centralised with Torvalds. The new plan distributes responsibility and formalises leadership transfer.
True to its ethos, the continuity framework itself is open source, expected to evolve like any kernel contribution. Torvalds has acknowledged an aging maintainer base but noted the depth of talent in the community, with some contributors ready to become primary maintainers within three years.
Founded in 1991, Linux now reinforces its sustainability by open-sourcing its own governance.
