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POLICY PAPERS
The G20, representing nearly 90 percent of global research spending, is uniquely positioned to drive reforms in the research publishing system through harmonised Open Access policies. Open Access policies, which require free, immediate access to research, can transform the way knowledge is shared globally. However, the current lack of consistency in policy mandates among G20 nations presents both a challenge and an opportunity for harmonisation. In this blog, we highlight findings from our recent policy paper and explore Open Access policy positions on article access and financing mechanisms for G20 members. We also examine how science diplomacy can be used to improve Open Access policies to create a more equitable global research environment.
The power of the G20 in shaping research publishing
G20 members account for ~90 percent of global research spending, researcher population, and publication output. This outsized influence means they are well-positioned to lead the world in reforming the research publishing system. The G20’s past engagement with Open Science—such as the endorsement of Open Science at the 2016 Hangzhou, China Summit and the 2021 Rome, Italy Summit—signals that this issue is of growing importance and is on its radar. The 2023 New Delhi Summit, which held the first Chief Science Advisers Roundtable (CSAR), further emphasised the need for immediate and universal access to publicly funded research.
Open Access policies, enforced by funders, institutions, or governments, can radically increase public access to scientific knowledge. By adopting a unified approach to Open Access policies, the G20 can send strong, clear signals to the global research market, facilitating easier access to research and fostering innovation. Moreover, the lack of coherence across member states offers a chance for the G20 to harmonise policies and drive forward systemic reform.
Current landscape of G20 Open Access policies
The G20 nations vary significantly in how they implement Open Access policies (Table 1 summarises the policy positions). In 2021, 15 of the 19 G20 member states had national-level Open Access policies, but the degree of enforcement and policy detail varied greatly. For example, some countries, like Germany and Italy, offer more detailed, non-mandated guidelines, while others like China and Saudi Arabia have less transparent policy documents.
Timeliness of access to publications also differs: 11 G20 countries report policies on publication timelines, with some (29 percent) requiring immediate publications access, while others allow a 6- or 12-month time frame for publication. Countries such as Japan, the EU, and Canada are revising their policies to require immediate access, signalling momentum toward more uniform Open Access standards. However, inconsistencies still exist, particularly in how publication costs are handled, with only 19 percent of nations reimbursing publications costs.
Table 1: Open Access policy positions for G20 members
Country |
Policy* |
Article Access |
Open Access Funding |
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Immediate |
6 months |
12 months |
Not reported |
Eligible expense for reimbursement |
Conditional support |
Not reported |
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African Union** |
No formal national policy |
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Argentina |
Open Access institutional digital repositories – Federal Law 26.899/2013 |
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Australia |
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Brazil |
No formal national policy found |
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Canada |
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China |
Law of the People’s Republic of China on Progress of Science and Technology |
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European Union** |
Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing Horizon Europe |
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France |
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Germany |
Open Access in Germany – Joint Guidelines of the Federal Government and the Länder |
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India |
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Indonesia |
No formal national policy found |
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Italy |
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Japan |
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Republic of Korea |
No formal national policy found |
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Mexico |
General guidelines for the national repository and institutional repositories |
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Russia |
No formal national policy found |
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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
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South Africa |
No formal national policy found |
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Türkiye*** |
TUBITAK (Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye) Open Science Policy |
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United Kingdom |
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United States |
Memorandum for Ensuring Free, Immediate, and Equitable Access to Federally Funded Research |
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Total (%) |
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6 (29%) |
4 (19%) |
5 (24%) |
3 (14%) |
4 (19%) |
4 (19%) |
7 (33%) |
While some G20 members are making strides towards improved policies, many countries remain behind. For example, the US, EU, and China lead in gross expenditure on research and development, but their Open Access policies are not always aligned. This lack of policy cohesion across key G20 nations hinders global reform efforts, but it also provides an opportunity to bring these policies into alignment through coordinated action.
Furthermore, six G20 members lack national Open Access policies, although they are leaders in other aspects of pushing the Open Access movement forward. Countries like South Africa, despite not having a national Open Access policy, demonstrate leadership through initiatives like the Africa Open Science Platform.
Pathways for the G20 to harmonise Open Access policies
To address the current inconsistencies in Open Access policies, the G20 should prioritise harmonisation through its diplomatic and policy networks. Science diplomacy offers a mechanism to facilitate cooperation on this front. Using our theory of change as a blueprint we urge research reform stakeholders and G20 members to:
- Reframe debates and build evidence: Collect and analyse evidence on the benefits and challenges of Open Access policies, the current research publishing landscape, and the political economy of reform. Develop strategies to position Open Access policy reform as a global issue.
- Build networks and momentum: Leverage networks like UNESCO to align national Open Access policies and facilitate dialogue among countries with and without policies to build momentum and shared learning. Identify and train Open Access champions. Engage relevant G20 groups like T20, S20, CSAR, and RIWG.
- Spur political interest: Capitalise on opportunities to place research publishing reform on G20 agendas, hold side meetings to build coalitions to agree on influencing strategies and communicate the benefits of research publishing reform.
- Promote international harmonisation: Develop a consensus statement on principles for Open Access policies including governance, infrastructure and finance and establish a working group to guide Open Access policy harmonisation.
- Secure national alignment: Align national policies to G20 commitments and monitor compliance. Consider budget support for country-level efforts from research institutes, academic institutions, and civil society organisations to implement reforms to Open Access policies and practices.
Conclusion
The G20 has the potential to lead on research publishing reform by harmonising Open Access policies. Aligning these policies will not only increase access to research but also drive innovation and equity on a global scale. By leveraging existing networks, fostering collaboration, and prioritising Open Access in their agenda, the G20 can create a lasting impact on the global research system.
Disclaimer
CGD blog posts reflect the views of the authors, drawing on prior research and experience in their areas of expertise. CGD is a nonpartisan, independent organization and does not take institutional positions.