cOAlition S is pleased to announce the release of a new pricing framework designed to foster global equity in scholarly publishing. Developed by Information Power following consultation with the funder, library/consortium, and publisher communities, the framework is introduced to enable discussion, promote greater transparency and inspire publishers and other service providers to implement more equitable pricing across different economies. To support this, the framework provides users with guiding principles, data, information, and tools. The approach is adaptable, allowing publishers to implement changes gradually and in line with their specific circumstances. It can be applied to various pricing models, including article processing charges (APCs), subscriptions, and transformative agreements.
Global differentiated pricing that fosters equity is:
- Part of a broader commitment to equity, inclusion, diversity, and belonging.
- Aligned ideally with a single consistent approach developed in meaningful, open, and transparent consultation with the research community.
- Relative to the context of each country, including income and purchasing power.
- Communicated clearly, easy to understand, and transparent to all.
- Transparently based on independent, open datasets that are regularly updated and that can be accessed, validated, and reused by everyone.
- Based on shared risk. Customers and publishers should share currency risks.
Key features of the framework include:
- Open, Transparent Data: Utilizing World Bank International Comparison Program data, reflecting each country’s income and ability to pay.
- Banding: Grouping countries into bands eases administration.
- Excel-Based Tool: Allowing publishers to explore and set their own bands and differential prices using the same transparent data.
- Local Currencies: Issuing invoices in local currencies where possible.
- Comprehensive Appendices: Detailed guidance on data sources, downloading World Bank datasets, and changes in country indices from 2017 to 2021.
The full report on the Pricing Framework to Foster Global Equity in Scholarly Publishing is available for download at https://zenodo.org/uploads/12784905, along with the More Equitable Pricing Tool and a set of frequently asked questions.
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