White Paper on Business-University Cooperation

This document presents draft recommendations to enhance the use of Open Educational Resources (OER) as a catalyst for business-university cooperation.

When reflecting on the interplay between open educational resources (OER) and open education practices in the context of business-university cooperation and the cultivation of entrepreneurialism, one must recognize their significant potential. These elements play a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics of collaboration between businesses and universities. Can OER serve as a catalyst for expanding, enhancing, or even establishing entirely new forms of cooperation? This question is of paramount importance when addressing the current challenges that permeate business-university partnerships and considering whether OER can contribute to their resolution.

This white paper will shed light on various dimensions of cooperation within this realm. It will delve into topics such as universities engaging in collaborative ventures with publishers and EdTech companies, dissecting legal considerations, particularly the impact of GDPR on OER, and illuminating the instrumental role that libraries and librarians assume in problem-solving and facilitating cooperative endeavours.
In summary, this white paper will explore how openness can play a significant role in fostering collaboration between businesses and universities, thereby fostering entrepreneurial culture. It will tackle questions concerning OER’s potential to drive increased, improved, or novel forms of cooperation, addressing the existing challenges within business-university partnerships and how OER might offer solutions. The paper
will also address various aspects of cooperation, including collaborations between universities, publishers, and EdTech firms, the legal implications of GDPR for OER, and the vital role of libraries and librarians in enabling and supporting cooperative initiatives.

Read the ENCORE+ White Paper on Business-University Cooperation: