Open Access (OA) Research Publications reach the 'Tipping Point'

Science-Metrix just completed three reports on the availability of 'Open Access' scientific literature and data for the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation. The study looked at European Union (EU) countries, as well as Brazil, Canada, U.S., and Japan. The studies are revevent to both the EU and the U.S.

The reports highlight the faster than previously thought growth of open access to scientific literature, showing that around 50% of papers published in 2011 are now available online for free. This is nearly twice the level estimated in previous studies. It confirms the global shift towards providing increased open access to research findings.

One of the studies also estimates that more than 40% of scientific peer reviewed articles published worldwide between 2004 and 2011 are now available online in open access form. This suggests that the open access movement has reached a crucial "tipping point".

The majority of articles that are now freely available tend to be in the fields of general science and technology, biomedical research, biology and mathematics and statistics. The fields where open access is most limited are in the social sciences, humanities, applied sciences, engineering and technology.

According to the European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, “These findings underline that open access is here to stay. Putting research results in the public sphere makes science better and strengthens our knowledge-based economy."

These reports further confirm that there is growing consensus that 'open access' to research results contributes to better and more efficient science, not to mention increased innovation in both the public and private sectors.

To download copies of these latest reports, go to the following links:

• Proportion of Open Access Peer-Reviewed Papers at the European and World Levels: 2004-2011"
• Open Access Strategies in the European Research Area
• Open Data Access Policies and Strategies in the European Research Area and Beyond

* Also, consider visiting the 'Open Access' section of the COSI 'Open Health IT web site.