A significant step toward the establishment of a global federation for Diamond Open Access was marked by the recent Global Summit on Diamond Open Access, which saw the participation of influential leaders and representatives from 75 countries and over 450 organizations, conversing in four languages. The event, attended by SPARC Europe by invitation, provided an ideal platform for comprehensive discussions and deliberations aimed at shaping a robust scholar-led, not-for-profit ecosystem for diamond OA publishing.
The summit emphasized the urgent need for a sustainable and scholar-driven not-for-profit system, focusing on cultivating a shared vision, collective services, and strategies to enhance efficiency and resilience. Hosting the event, Redalyc showcased exemplary leadership in the diamond OA landscape, highlighting innovative policies, organizational structures, and community involvement essential for success in this field.
The discussions captured a wide array of diamond OA practices from diverse cultural, economic, and social backgrounds. While acknowledging differences, the consensus centered on the collective objective of strengthening diamond OA on a global scale, emphasizing the strength derived from collaboration and unity.
The envisioned global Diamond OA federation aims to operate respecting individual autonomy and local interests while fostering a sense of unity and technical interoperability. Collaboration is deemed vital in addressing various challenges and unlocking opportunities such as advocating for equity, promoting technical advancements, and embedding quality diamond OA in research assessments.
A critical aspect of the discussions focused on establishing governance guided by shared values and principles, encompassing trust, inclusivity, cultural sensitivities, and mutually beneficial activities. Addressing financial stability was also a focal point, with a call for long-term funding commitments from governments and funders, aiming to ease the pressure of frequent fundraising.
Moreover, an emphasis was placed on the potential role of national Open Science funds in supporting Diamond OA, with initiatives in countries like France and Canada leading the way in promoting bibliodiversity and inclusion for the public good.
The potential collaboration between institutional higher education systems, journal editors, infrastructure providers, and service entities was highlighted as a crucial pathway toward enhancing capacity, cost-efficiency, and best practices in the Diamond OA landscape.
Notably, UNESCO is set to host the emerging global federation of Diamond OA, an initiative supported by SPARC Europe, committed to contributing actively to its success. SPARC Europe’s initiatives, including comprehensive studies, project leadership, capacity development, and stakeholder involvement, are aimed at strengthening the understanding and sustainability of Diamond OA.
As the landscape of Diamond OA evolves, stakeholders anticipate the creation of a new global federation that holds promise for significant advancements and positive changes in the scholarly publishing domain.
The Conclusions and Way Forward of the Summit is available here.
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