SPARC Europe has announced its new four-year strategy, setting a clear roadmap to make European education and research open by default. The strategy aims to foster a fair and inclusive knowledge ecosystem, ensuring diversity, equity, and sustainability while safeguarding the future of Open Science.
SPARC Europe’s vision extends beyond academia, seeking to make openness the norm not only for higher education and research but also for industry and society at large. The organization reaffirms its dedication to advancing Open Access, Open Science/Research, and Open Education, collectively referred to as "the Opens."
The new strategy focuses on six key goals to drive progress in Open Knowledge:
• Strengthening Policies – Advocating for robust Open Access, Open Science, and Open Education policies across Europe and aligning them wherever possible.
• Sustainability of the Opens – Promoting sustainable models to ensure the longevity and resilience of Open Knowledge ecosystems.
• Demonstrating Value and Impact – Monitoring and showcasing the societal and academic impact of Open Science and its practices.
• Defending Openness – Addressing challenges posed by political and technological developments that threaten the principles of openness.
• Rewarding Open Practices – Ensuring researchers and educators are recognized and incentivized for adopting open knowledge practices.
• Connecting Open Movements – Building bridges between Open Access, Open Science, and Open Education initiatives to foster collaboration and coherence.
To achieve these goals, SPARC Europe will focus on policy development and monitoring across Europe, advocating for a more inclusive and sustainable Open Knowledge ecosystem. The organization plans to work closely with policymakers, academic institutions, researchers, and other stakeholders to:
• Increase the evidence base for Open Knowledge practices.
• Share best practices and promote policies that encourage inclusivity and accessibility in scholarly communication.
• Protect Open Science from risks such as privatization or technological barriers.
SPARC Europe’s strategy highlights the need to reward and incentivize open practices while ensuring that these efforts are sustainable for the long term. By fostering collaboration and supporting diverse participation, the organization seeks to create a future where Open Access, Open Science, and Open Education are standard practices in Europe and beyond.
SPARC Europe’s new strategy comes at a critical time when the global research and education community faces increasing pressure to adapt to changing technological, political, and economic landscapes. This forward-looking approach reaffirms the organization’s commitment to ensuring Open Knowledge remains a cornerstone of European education and research.
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