Connecting the Opens (II): The drivers of openness in Higher Education

This is the second item in our Connecting the Opens leadership series, which explores how university leaders across Europe are connecting Open Science and Open Education. Based on interviews conducted by SPARC Europe, the series aims to inspire more leaders to “connect the opens” and support institutions in addressing complex challenges through an integrated open knowledge framework. This item explores the key drivers that are accelerating the shift toward openness in higher education. We examine the interconnected forces shaping this transition: from accessibility, innovation, and economic considerations to policy mandates and broader societal change. By mapping these drivers, the item aims to support stakeholders in understanding not only why openness is advancing, but how these pressures are reshaping the future role of universities.