Publication
Open science outlook 1: status and trends around the world
Open science can be a powerful tool to bridge the existing science, technology and innovation gaps, to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and to promote the fulfillment of the human right to science.
With a growing number of countries charting their paths towards more open, inclusive and accessible science systems, it has become crucial to undertake a comprehensive global assessment of open science to gauge its impact, identify challenges and lay the groundwork for future progress.
This publication is the first endeavour to assess the state of open science at the global level in line with the 2021 UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science.
Open science practices are on the rise but access to, participation in and sharing of the benefits from open science are uneven across the world.
While the findings point to increases in the adoption of open science practices across regions and disciplines, this growth has been uneven. Gaps persist along existing socio-economic, technological and digital divides between countries. Lack of equity in access to funding, skills and tools are preventing open science from reaching its full potential.
The transition to open science requires a shift in the culture of and partnerships for science. Only collective, collaborative and coordinated action and investment can accelerate the transition to a truly global, equitable open science.