This item is the third in a series exploring 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 challenges that arise when turning a vision of openness into practice in higher education environments. It highlights issues such as incentives, commercialisation, ensuring policy coherence, building infrastructure, and developing digital skills. This piece also emphasises that strategic action can help institutions move toward more accessible and socially engaged knowledge systems.