'Those who hold the purse can change the system' | Research Information

"Smits spelled out the three ways to be compliant with Plan S:

• Publish in high-quality open access journals/platforms;
• Deposit in open access repositories without embargo; or
• Publish in a hybrid journal that is subject to transformative agreement. The journal must be committed to a full OA transition within a period of four years.

He continued: 'We have also heard that there are issues in some fields of science where there is no suitable open access journal in which to publish. To this end we are undertaking gap analysis, Where this proves to be the case, we will provide incentives to set up suitable journals or platforms.

'On the subject of APCs, I am firmly advocating that there should be a cap on APCs; however we decided to adopt the Wellcome Trust approach and to say that APCs should be "reasonable". We are going to do an in-depth study into what should be considered as reasonable, but I am very much of the opinion that the charge should be based on the service provided by the publisher.'

Smits concluded: 'I had never expected Plan S to get so much attention and I think the fact that it is being debated around the world shows that people think there is change in the air, and that it is time for something new. That's why it is important that all of us – particularly the publishers – come clean: do you believe that the results of publicly-funded research should no longer be behind expensive paywalls? Secondly, do you think it's time for your businesses to move to new models based on open access? Answer these two questions with a clear 'yes' or 'no' and I think you will make everyone happy – particularly me...."