Openness in education has received significant attention in recent years. To comprehend this concept in education ecosystems thoroughly, a longitudinal study is crucial, offering a comprehensive perspective of its evolution. The study utilizes bibliometric techniques, social network analysis, and text mining to investigate openness from its origin to the present day. The research highlights that the idea of openness, initially linked to open universities, has expanded into broader education ecosystems due to advancements in digital technologies, especially around the turn of the 21st century. Embracing open access and open scholarship as new business models is essential to consolidate openness in education. Additionally, distance education, online learning, and educational technology play vital roles as catalysts for openness in education, providing a holistic understanding of the concept.