The Research Software Alliance (ReSA) Strategic Plan 2025–2028 represents a shared vision for the future of research software that recognises its essential role in driving innovation across research, industry, and civil society. Built through collaborative engagement, the strategic plan outlines ReSA’s commitment to strengthening the research software ecosystem through improvements in people, policy, and infrastructure. The strategy reinforces ReSA’s mission to foster global cohesion across national boundaries, stakeholder types, research disciplines, and thematic efforts, as well as within the broader research and open source software communities. We’re dedicated to creating opportunities for stakeholders across the research software community to come together, collaborate, learn, and share best practices. We extend our sincere thanks to the community members who contributed their insights during the consultation period. Your feedback has been instrumental in shaping a strategy that reflects shared priorities and paves the way for more sustainable and resilient research software globally.