Pricing framework to foster global equity in scholarly publishing

cOAlition S has announced the release of a new pricing framework designed to foster global equity in scholarly publishing.

Developed by Information Power following consultation with the funder, library/consortium, and publisher communities, the framework is introduced to enable discussion, promote greater transparency and inspire publishers and other service providers to implement more equitable pricing across different economies. To support this, the framework provides users with guiding principles, data, information, and tools. The approach is adaptable, allowing publishers to implement changes gradually and in line with their specific circumstances. It can be applied to various pricing models, including article processing charges (APCs), subscriptions, and transformative agreements. 

Global differentiated pricing that fosters equity is, according to cOAlition S:

• Part of a broader commitment to equity, inclusion, diversity, and belonging. 

• Aligned ideally with a single consistent approach developed in meaningful, open, and transparent consultation with the research community.

• Relative to the context of each country, including income and purchasing power. 

• Communicated clearly, easy to understand, and transparent to all.

• Transparently based on independent, open datasets that are regularly updated and that can be accessed, validated, and reused by everyone.

• Based on shared risk. Customers and publishers should share currency risks. 

Key features of the framework 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 eases administration.

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

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

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

“As project sponsors, we view this framework as a catalyst for discussion and evolving practices in more equitable open access publishing”, stated Johan Rooryck, Executive Director of cOAlition S. “We recognise that many stakeholders prefer a scholarly publication ecosystem without author-facing charges for open access publishing. But as long as APCs are part of the landscape, we strongly feel that open and transparent data should be used to calculate more equitable prices that reflect local purchasing power. While no single dataset or approach can satisfy all stakeholders, this thorough analysis provides a solid foundation for global discussions. We invite all stakeholders to engage with this framework to work towards a more equitable scholarly communication system”.

The framework's development was supported by a dedicated steering group, bringing together diverse perspectives from across the scholarly publishing ecosystem. Colleen Campbell, OA2020 Coordinator and a member of the Steering Group, emphasised: “Addressing equity and inclusivity in scholarly publishing requires direct involvement from local communities. As a tool for exploring what regionally differential pricing might look like, the framework offers universities, research institutions, libraries, and consortia a valuable starting point in their open access negotiations with publishers and collaborative efforts to address financial barriers and foster a more equitable and inclusive environment."