Preparing the Ne(x)t Generation: Lessons learnt from Free / Libre Open Source Software Why free and open are pre-conditions and not options for higher

With reference to round table discussions on ‘preparing the new generation’ and ‘renewing knowledge creation’ this paper will illustrate why higher education (HE) needs to reposition itself to be prepared for the ne(x)t generation and which are the lessons to be learnt from well established virtual and informal open participatory learning ecosystems, in particular the Free / Libre Open and Source Software (FLOSS) communities. As has become clear; FLOSS communities succeed in providing and distributing in a sustainable manner the knowledge necessary for the production of good quality software, thereby using a different development approach than proprietary software producers. One characteristic of FLOSS is that it is built by a community of volunteers and frequently backed by companies that generate their revenues by providing services related to FLOSS projects and the software.Peer Reviewe