As research and innovation enter a period shaped by artificial intelligence, geopolitical shifts, and growing demands for transparency and accountability, OpenAIRE has launched its new strategy for 2026-2028. The strategy sets out how we will strengthen Open Science infrastructures, support responsible AI in research, and help build a more open, trustworthy, and sustainable research ecosystem across Europe and beyond.

Building on the foundations established over the past decade, the strategy positions OpenAIRE not only as a provider of technical infrastructure, but also as a community-driven organisation connecting policy, services, and people. It reflects a broader shift in the research landscape, where Open Science is increasingly recognised as a strategic necessity rather than a niche ambition.

Five priorities for the years ahead

At the centre of the strategy are five interconnected priorities that will guide our work over the next three years.

These priorities will be carried forward through OpenAIRE’s three operational pillars: Infrastructure & Services, Training & Skills, and Policies. Together, they aim to strengthen the technical, human, and governance dimensions needed for a functional and trustworthy Open Science ecosystem.

Preparing Open Science for the AI era

A major focus of the strategy is the growing role of AI in research. We believe AI systems used in science must be built on open, FAIR, and traceable foundations, supported by transparent governance and public-interest values. In the strategy, we also emphasise the need to prepare scholarly communication infrastructures, repositories, and research services for AI-enabled research workflows.

At the same time, the strategy highlights the importance of maintaining community-governed infrastructures in an increasingly commercialised research landscape. OpenAIRE’s federated network, involving national and institutional partners across Europe, remains central to this approach.

For me, the OpenAIRE 2026–2028 Strategy is not just a roadmap. It reflects years of shared work, trust and commitment from people across our community who care deeply about how research is supported and shared. At a time of growing challenges around sovereignty, security, AI and the long-term sustainability of research infrastructures, I am proud to see our members and partners across Europe coming together once again to turn Open Science into something practical, reliable and lasting for researchers and institutions alike.

A community-driven approach

This strong community dimension was also reflected in a recent OpenAIRE podcast discussion bringing together current and former OpenAIRE Chairs. During the conversation, Inge Van Nieuwerburgh described the OpenAIRE community as “a family,” highlighting the importance of collaboration between organisations and countries working towards “an open knowledge commons.”

Current Executive Board Chair Joeri Both also stressed the importance of maintaining community-driven approaches as Open Science evolves alongside AI and wider geopolitical changes. Reflecting on the future, he notes that OpenAIRE’s role is not only to develop infrastructure, but also to help research organisations “take agency over their own research output” and strengthen Europe’s capacity to shape its own research ecosystem.

Looking ahead

The new 2026-2028 strategy reinforces our long-term commitment to openness as a public good. As outlined in the document, we see research intelligence itself as public infrastructure, something that should remain transparent, accountable, and community governed, rather than controlled through closed systems and proprietary platforms.

Over the coming years, OpenAIRE will continue expanding its services, partnerships, and global collaborations while investing in sustainable infrastructure, coordinated training, and policy alignment. Our strategy ultimately aims to ensure that Open Science remains not only open, but also trusted, equitable, and resilient in a rapidly changing world.