European higher education institutions are increasingly turning to open education as a means to broaden access, enhance collaboration, and support innovative teaching. A new survey launched in May 2026 by SPARC Europe and the European Network of Open Education Librarians (ENOEL) seeks to map the current state of institutional support for these practices across the continent.

Understanding the 2026 Survey on Open Education

The survey examines how open education is embedded within European universities and colleges. It explores institutional strategies, library services, funding mechanisms, access to open educational resources, and recognition for contributions in this area. Academic librarians have long played a central role in advancing open practices, including open access and open science, and this initiative builds on that foundation.

Participation is open to representatives from European higher education institutions. The questionnaire takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete and closes on Monday, 20 July 2026. Results are expected in late 2026 and will be shared openly with the community.

Background on Open Education in European Higher Education

Open education encompasses the use of open educational resources, open pedagogical approaches, and institutional policies that promote sharing and accessibility. In Europe, initiatives have gained momentum through frameworks supported by bodies such as the European University Association. Previous efforts have highlighted varying levels of adoption, with some institutions integrating open practices into core strategies while others face resource constraints.

The 2026 survey builds on earlier work by focusing specifically on the institutional dimension. It aims to provide an evidence-based snapshot that can guide future policy and practice at universities and colleges throughout the region.

Key Areas Examined by the Survey

The questionnaire addresses several critical dimensions of open education support:

• Embedding open education in institutional strategies, policies, and governance structures.
• Services offered by libraries and other units to support open educational practices and the skills required for effective implementation.
• Allocation of dedicated funding for open education initiatives.
• Efforts to encourage the creation and use of open educational resources.
• Mechanisms for recognising and rewarding contributions to open education.

These elements reflect the practical challenges and opportunities facing administrators, faculty, and support staff in European higher education settings.

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Why Institutional Support Matters

Strong institutional backing can accelerate the adoption of open practices, leading to greater equity in access to learning materials and enhanced opportunities for collaboration across borders. For PhD candidates and early-career researchers, open education resources often provide essential pathways to high-quality materials without financial barriers.

Administrators benefit from data on current practices when developing strategies that align with broader European goals for digital transformation and inclusive education. The survey results are expected to highlight both successes and gaps, informing targeted investments and policy adjustments at individual institutions.

Role of SPARC Europe and ENOEL

SPARC Europe has been instrumental in promoting open scholarship across the continent. Partnering with ENOEL, which brings together librarians focused on open education, the organisations leverage their networks to gather representative input. The European University Association has also expressed support, underscoring the initiative’s relevance to the wider higher education community.

This collaborative approach ensures the survey captures perspectives from diverse institutions, from large research universities to smaller specialised colleges.

Participation and Next Steps

Institutions are encouraged to respond through the dedicated survey platform. Broad participation will strengthen the reliability of the findings and provide a more comprehensive view of the European landscape. Results will be disseminated widely, offering actionable insights for policy makers, university leaders, and practitioners alike.

Those involved in open education at their institutions can contribute directly or encourage colleagues to participate, ensuring that the final report reflects the full spectrum of experiences across Europe.

Implications for Academics and Job Seekers

For academics and those pursuing careers in higher education, understanding trends in open education is increasingly valuable. Institutions that prioritise these practices often seek staff with relevant expertise in open resources, digital pedagogy, and policy development. The survey data may influence future hiring priorities and professional development opportunities.

PhD-track candidates can use the anticipated findings to identify institutions leading in open education, potentially shaping research directions or postdoctoral applications.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Future Outlook for Open Education in Europe

As European higher education continues to evolve, open practices are expected to play a growing role in addressing challenges such as rising costs of learning materials and the need for flexible, inclusive delivery modes. The 2026 survey will serve as a benchmark, helping stakeholders track progress and identify areas requiring additional attention.

Continued collaboration between libraries, academic departments, and senior leadership will be essential to translating survey insights into meaningful institutional change.

Broader Context and Related Developments

Open education aligns with wider European priorities around digital skills, research integrity, and equitable access. Related initiatives in open science and open access provide complementary momentum. The survey’s focus on institutional support complements these efforts by examining the organisational frameworks that sustain long-term progress.

Stakeholders across the sector will watch the results closely for guidance on effective strategies and potential models for replication.