Statement on Open Access and SCOAP3 by Neelie Kroes, Vice President of the European Commission and Commissioner for the Digital Agenda

"Neelie Kroes, Vice President of the European Commission and Commissioner for the Digital Agenda, has addressed a meeting of the stakeholders of the global SCOAP3 initiative held at CERN on April 6th, 2011. In her address she wished SCOAP3 a “…success [that] will be more than just a proof of concept. It will show us a passable way into the future of scientific publishing that others can follow”. Commissioner Kroes continued mentioning that “Access to scientific results for free, for all, for ever is a compelling vision indeed”. She recognized that “free access for readers does not mean writing or publishing is free”, adding that “for open access to scientific publications and data, the benefits definitely outweigh the costs” and “all stakeholders should be proactive in adapting to this new open environment”. A full transcript [and recording] of the statement [are] available on the SCOAP3 web site...."