ENCORE+ will function as a network catalyst for a socio-technical ecosystem. That means that ENCORE+’s main mission will be to amplify existing OER initiatives, projects, platforms and networks by integrating them across the four thematic Circle strands and three crosscutting integration events.
In terms of community, the project will work by aggregating stakeholders as well as existing networks around a set of new communities of practice – Circles – that do not exist at the moment in Europe. This mechanism will be used to reach out and link with existing networks, platforms and projects. Stakeholders will, in a diversified and targeted way (events, consultations, webinars), be invited to share and give input on specific activities and deliverables in the project by connecting ENCORE+ with their projects and activities.
By connecting OER repositories, HEIs, private and public companies and other key stakeholders, ENCORE+ will establish a coordinated European approach which can enact the value of OER as a catalyst and multiplier. It will thus address the need for a more comprehensive collaboration bringing together particular groups, networks and initiatives in order to move from a series of individual OER initiatives into a European OER Ecosystem.