YOUR GO-TO INTELLIGENCE RESOURCE FOR THE SCHOLARLY PUBLISHING INDUSTRY

cOAlition S has announced the release of a new pricing framework aimed at fostering global equity in scholarly publishing. Developed by Information Power in consultation with funders, libraries, consortia, and publishers, the framework seeks to promote discussion, enhance transparency, and inspire more equitable pricing practices across different economies. The framework is equipped with guiding principles, data, information, and tools to support its adoption. It is designed to be adaptable, allowing publishers to implement changes gradually and in line with their specific circumstances, applicable to various pricing models, including article processing charges (APCs), subscriptions, and transformative agreements.

The framework emphasizes global differentiated pricing that promotes equity as part of a broader commitment to equity, inclusion, diversity, and belonging. Key elements include:

• Open, Transparent Data: Utilizing World Bank International Comparison Program data, reflecting each country’s income and ability to pay.

• Banding: Grouping countries into bands to simplify administration.

• Excel-Based Tool: Allowing publishers to explore and set their own bands and differential prices using transparent data.

• Local Currencies: Issuing invoices in local currencies where possible.

• Comprehensive Appendices: Providing detailed guidance on data sources, downloading World Bank datasets, and changes in country indices from 2017 to 2021.

The initiative is supported by a dedicated steering group that brings together diverse perspectives from across the scholarly publishing ecosystem. The transition from subscription models to open access has shifted the financial burden from readers to knowledge producers, creating accessibility issues for authors and institutions worldwide. This framework aims to address these barriers by differentiating OA pricing based on transparent and objective criteria, making it more inclusive.

The pricing framework aligns with the Open Access Scholarly Publishers Association (OASPA)'s call for increased equity in financial approaches to open access and supports the OA2020 initiative's Invitation to Action. This initiative seeks to create fair and equitable conditions for researchers globally in scholarly journal publishing.

The full report on the Pricing Framework to Foster Global Equity in Scholarly Publishing is available for download at https://zenodo.org/uploads/12784905, along with the More Equitable Pricing Tool and a set of frequently asked questions.