The European Research Area Committee (ERAC) on National Open Access and Preservation Policies has published a report called 'Analysis of a Questionnaire to the European Research Area Committee'. The report reveals that open access is backed by a growing number of universities, research centres and funding agencies across Europe.
The results of the 2010-11 questionnaire on Open Access and Preservation Policies in Europe gives an overview of how policies and strategies on open access and preservation have been developing in the European Research Area.
The questionnaire was sent to all ERAC members and observers on November 25, 2010. The Commission received 29 responses between December 21, 2010 and March 11, 2011. These include 25 from EU Member States (Bulgaria and Hungary did not respond) and four from ERAC Observers (Iceland, Montenegro, Norway and Switzerland).
A preliminary analysis of the results was conducted in April-May 2011. A first impression of answers received was presented to Member State representatives on May 31, 2011 in a special Member States session that followed a public hearing on access to and preservation of scientific information on May 30, 2011. The preliminary analysis was sent for feedback to all respondents in July-August 2011. The final report, which incorporates some corrections and additional information, was prepared in September-October 2011.
The report finds that Open Access is much more prominent in Europe than previous surveys indicated, but that issues around long-term digital preservation are seriously in need of further consideration. The information contained in the report is a milestone that serves as valuable input for the development of a Commission policy on access and dissemination of scientific outputs in the European Research Area and in Horizon 2020.
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