Open Access Business Models for Research Funders and Universities

This study covers the types of business model used for open access to publicly-funded research
content. Various organizational structures developed to offer open access to publicly-funded
research content are examined from the perspective of publicly-funded institutions and
organizations. Business models for publicly-funded institutions can be built from elements
which a commercial business model may not include, particularly in respect of the inclusion of
non-financial factors. While the cost of open access or any other research dissemination model
remains important, the discussion around research dissemination now includes impact, value
and benefits. Other non-financial factors – such as copyright assignment – are also understood
to be key issues in designing a successful business model for publicly-funded research outputs.
Thus in this document the description of each type of open access business model includes
the factors which will determine the cost incurred in providing open access, the factors likely
to be important in adopting the model, and a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of
each open access model from the perspective of research funding agencies and institutions
managing the funding of research dissemination. Most of the document relates to research
outputs in the form of journal articles but brief descriptions are given of factors important in
open access to research data and research monographs.