INSPIRING ERA is pleased to present its fourth thematic factsheet, focused on Open Access in the European Research Area. Based on insights from the INSPIRING ERA Exchange on open access publications, the factsheet explores what is still holding Open Access back in Europe and, importantly, how these barriers can be addressed. It brings together practical solutions, policy recommendations and existing tools to support more inclusive and sustainable access to research.
Open Access is an essential part of making research results more widely available, discoverable and reusable. Yet implementation across Europe continues to face interconnected challenges—from fragmented policies and rights retention to funding and sustainability, metadata and infrastructure, research assessment incentives, and emerging risks related to AI and research integrity. The factsheet translates these six challenges into concrete actions, including stronger Open Access policies with secondary publication mandates, investment in people-centred support, sustainable funding for non-profit and Diamond Open Access infrastructures, improved metadata and interoperability, CoARA-aligned research assessment, and proportionate approaches to AI governance.
Designed for policymakers, research funding organisations, research performing organisations and the wider Open Science community, the factsheet provides recommendations at European, national, funding and institutional levels. It also brings together practical tools and initiatives already supporting Open Access across Europe—from OpenAIRE, OAPEN and DOAB to OPERAS, EOSC, DIAMAS, the European Diamond Capacity Hub and GraspOS. We invite ERA stakeholders to explore, share and use this resource to help turn Open Access ambitions into sustainable practice and strengthen the circulation of knowledge across the European Research Area.
