UNESCO's Open Science Outlook: Status and Trends Around the World
Open science is a transformative force that has the potential to bridge existing gaps in science, technology, and innovation.
By promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and transparency, open science can accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and uphold the human right to science.
To comprehensively assess the global state of open science, UNESCO embarked on a groundbreaking endeavour, resulting in the publication of the UNESCO Open Science Outlook 1: Status and Trends Around the World.
Understanding Open Science
Open science transcends geographical boundaries and disciplinary silos.
It encompasses practices such as open-access publishing, open data sharing, collaborative research, and citizen science.
To unlock its full potential, open science must be embraced as a global phenomenon, accessible to all.
Key Findings
The report reveals promising trends in adopting open science practices across different regions and disciplines.
However, this growth is uneven, with persistent gaps along socio-economic, technological, and digital lines.
Here are some key takeaways:
Equity and Access: Enacting cultural change toward open science requires accessible infrastructures, strengthened capacities, aligned funding, and incentives.
Equitable access to resources, skills, and tools is essential for realizing open science’s transformative impact.
Global Assessment: The publication provides the first comprehensive global assessment of open science, aligning with the 2021 UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science.
It serves as a roadmap for policymakers, researchers, and institutions to navigate the open science landscape.
Challenges and Opportunities: While progress is evident, challenges persist.
Addressing these inclincludesude fostering a supportive ecosystem, promoting collaboration, and ensuring that open science benefits all, regardless of their context or background.
Recommendations for Action
The UNESCO Open Science Outlook outlines a common definition, shared values, principles, and standards for open science.
It proposes actionable steps at individual, institutional, national, regional, and international levels.
These recommendations aim to create an inclusive and sustainable open science ecosystem.
Conclusion
Open science is not a mere trend; it is a global imperative.
By embracing openness, we empower researchers, enhance scientific discovery, and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous world.
Let us collectively champion open science and build a future where knowledge knows no boundaries.