Plan S architect reflects on US ‘disappointment’ and global hope | Times Higher Education (THE)

"The architect of Plan S has spoken of his “disappointment” that US research funders refused to join the open access initiative, but has expressed hope that grass-roots pressure will lead the country to reject the subscription journal model....

Thirteen European funding agencies backed Plan S when it was unveiled last year. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust were among key backers to follow, with expressions of support also coming from Chinese funders and the Indian government.

However, some influential sectors – in particular, the US – are yet to come on board.

“Plan S went much quicker than people expected,” said Mr Smits, who conceded that he “had hoped that the US would move a bit faster”, referring to early positive signs in discussions with the National Institutes of Health. He had also “expected” that the Howard Hughes Medical Institute might come on board...."