Costs and Benefits of Open Science: Contributing to the Development of a Rigorous Assessment Framework | SpringerLink

Abstract "The concept of Open Science (OS) is transforming the landscape of scientific research by promoting collaboration, transparency, and innovation. Acknowledged by policymakers and international organisations, OS is integrated into policy agendas recognising its potential to shape the future of research. Despite significant progress, Open Science faces challenges in showing economic impacts, which undermines its maximal adoption. Empirical evidence on positive economic outcomes, such as cost savings and the emergence of new products and collaborations, exist, but there is a scarcity of comprehensive economic impact studies comparing open and closed science. This article advocates for the use of Cost–Benefit Analysis (CBA) as an analytical tool to systematically assess the advantages and disadvantages of OS. CBA, traditionally applied to sectors like transport and health, can provide a structured framework for mapping and evaluating the costs and benefits of OS, contributing to a more informed understanding of its societal desirability."