SPARC Europe has received a significant two-year general operating support grant from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, building on five years of dedicated work in Open Education within Higher Education. The funding will enable SPARC Europe to expand its Open Education initiatives and establish a new Connecting Opens initiative that links Open Education with Open Science.
The grant reflects the Foundation’s trust in SPARC Europe as a partner, offering flexibility to define its vision, mission, and goals. SPARC Europe views this support as a testament to the strength of its community and its commitment to openness in education and research.
Central to SPARC Europe’s mission is the conviction that research and education should be open by default to serve the public good. This principle aligns closely with the values of European Higher Education, as SPARC Europe positions itself as a key expert and catalyst for Open frameworks and actions across the continent.
A major focus of the expansion will be the development of the Connecting the Open Hub, a digital platform designed to connect diverse communities and professionals. The Hub will provide access to experts and organisations, along with policy resources, advocacy materials, infrastructure, and content that promote coordinated Open Education activities in Europe.
SPARC Europe intends to take a leading role in promoting, facilitating, and building capacity for the Open Agenda in Higher Education. Its efforts will empower institutions to collaborate effectively, build sustainable capacity, and advance supportive policies for Open Education and Open Science. The organisation aims to act as a connector, policy influencer, and convenor, bringing together university leaders, policymakers, librarians, and other professionals to strengthen open knowledge practices.
In recognition of Europe’s regional diversity, SPARC Europe will promote decentralised and localised action while fostering collaboration to develop evidence-based tools and solutions. By offering practical resources and shared expertise, it aims to guide stakeholders through the often complex landscape of Open Education and Open Science.
The overarching goal is to build a more cohesive, equitable, and sustainable Open Knowledge ecosystem throughout European Higher Education.
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