As the global academic community gears up for International Open Access Week 2024, the theme announced for this year, "Community over Commercialization," signals a steadfast commitment to prioritizing the collective interests of researchers and the public over profit-driven models.
Building upon the momentum generated by last year's theme, which emphasized the need to shift towards open scholarship practices that serve the greater good, this year's continuation underscores the urgency of ongoing conversations surrounding the commercialization of academic knowledge.
In a rapidly evolving landscape where artificial intelligence integration and corporate dominance in academic systems loom large, the theme prompts critical reflections on the consequences of relinquishing control of knowledge production to a select few entities. Questions abound regarding the hidden costs of profit-driven business models, the erosion of academic freedom through opaque data collection practices, and the potential for commercialization to align with the public interest.
Central to this year's theme is the exploration of existing community-governed infrastructures, such as preprint servers and open publishing platforms, which offer viable alternatives to commercialized systems. By championing community-minded options, the aim is to foster a culture of academic autonomy and equity in knowledge production.
Open Access Week 2024, scheduled from October 21st through the 27th, invites communities worldwide to engage in discussions and take action aligned with the theme. While the official week serves as a focal point for collective efforts, participants are encouraged to host events and initiatives throughout the year that resonate with the ethos of "Community over Commercialization."
To facilitate localized engagement, customizable graphics templates are available, allowing communities to tailor the theme to their specific contexts and highlight pertinent conversations. Examples include "Community over Commercialization: What is Community Governance & Why Does it Matter" and "Community over Commercialization: Reclaiming Academic Autonomy."
For more information on International Open Access Week and to access resources, including translations of this announcement and graphics templates, visit openaccessweek.org. Join the conversation on social media using the official hashtag #OAWeek. As the global academic community unites around the principles of openness and collaboration, International Open Access Week 2024 promises to be a catalyst for positive change in scholarly communication.
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