OER Knowledge CloudJournal Article20132013/12Koutras, NikosBottis, Mariaopen accessOER researchinstitutional repositoriesinformation societyiInnovationeducational politicsProcedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences4th International Conference on New Horizons in Education106December 20131499 - 150418770428In the Lisbon Summit (2000), the European Commission adopted the triangle of knowledge (education, research, innovation). These three concepts are fundamental “ingredients” of the European educational policy. In today's societies, education is the tool leading to research and then, to innovation. Thus, institutional repositories play a key role here. They represent a major and an alternative gate of knowledge. In conclusion, this paper will examine relevant and current initiatives (open access initiatives) and policies among European countries.yes10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.12.169http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042813047927http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S18770428130479271-s2.0-S1877042813047927-main.pdf