After launching Plan S in 2018, cOAlition S has announced its 2026–2030 strategy, marking an evolution from the initiative’s original prescriptive mandates toward a more collaborative framework. The plan reaffirms support for full and immediate open access while broadening its vision to “a scholarly communication system that enables rapid, open, transparent, and equitable sharing of trustworthy scientific knowledge.” Developed through member consultations and analysis of global trends—including rising APC costs, equity gaps, and AI’s role in publishing—the strategy addresses the limitations exposed by Plan S’s early disruptions. Details are outlined in the official announcement.
At its core, the strategy rests on three priorities: strengthening foundations for sustainable and equitable open access to peer-reviewed articles (including updates to Plan S principles), supporting interoperable digital infrastructures for OA delivery and data preservation, and exploring financially sustainable publishing models with robust monitoring. Implementation unfolds in phases—foundational work and membership services in 2026–2027, followed by deeper equity and sustainability efforts from 2028–2030. The full strategy document explicitly endorses diverse routes such as diamond open access, preprints, and the Publish-Review-Curate model.
Unlike the 2018 Plan S, which imposed strict requirements and initially barred funding for paywalled venues, the new approach avoids binding mandates or spending pledges. It recognizes that “no single model can meet all needs,” granting researchers greater flexibility in publication choices while encouraging alignment with research assessment reforms and AI-related policies. This pragmatic shift reduces workflow friction for labs but maintains pressure on funders to invest in non-commercial alternatives.
As the 2026–2030 strategy rolls out, researchers can anticipate a scholarly ecosystem that balances accessibility with long-term equity and trustworthiness—potentially transforming how funding eligibility, publishing decisions, and career evaluations intersect in the years ahead.
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