In order to become an increasingly competitive knowledge-based economy, Europe must not only improve the production of knowledge but also its dissemination and application. All research builds on former work, and depends on scientists’ possibilities to access and share scientific publications and research data. The environment in which research is conducted and disseminated is undergoing profound changes, with new technologies offering new opportunities and changing research practices demanding new capabilities. New opportunities and new models could enhance the dissemination of research findings and maximise the returns on investment in R&D. With the advent of the digital age, the scientific community sees great opportunities for the electronic dissemination of research results. Open access (free internet access for the user) has emerged as a possible way of improving access to and dissemination of publicly funded scientific information, in particular peer-reviewed scientific publications.

• Open Access Pilot in FP7 (self archiving)
  
  
• Reimbursement of publication costs ('paid' open access), article II.16.4 'other activities'

EU initiatives:

• June 2009: Results [ - 128 KB] of questionnaire to Member and Associated States via the Scientific and Technical Research Committee (CREST)
  
  
• August 2008: Launch of Open access pilot in FP7
  
  
• July 2008: Open Access Handbook - joint publication by the European Commission and the German Commission for UNESCO
  German version of the Open Access Handbook (2007 publication of the German Commission for UNESCO)
  
  
• April 2008: Commission recommendation on the management of intellectual property in knowledge transfer activities and code of practise for universities and other public research organisations en
  
  
• March 2008: Presidency Conclusions launching the new cycle of the renewed Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs 2008-2010 en, fr, de, other languages
  
  
• December 2007: ERC (European Research Council) Scientific Council Guidelines for Open Access
  
  
• 2007: Reimbursement of publication costs in FP7 ('paid' open access) see pg 18, article II.16.4 'other activities'
  
  
• November 2007: Council Conclusions on scientific information in the digital age: access, dissemination and preservation en, fr, other languages
  
  
• September 2007: Consultation on Open Access question (No. 21) of Green Paper "The European Research Area: New Perspectives" (ERA Green Paper)
  
  
• February 2007: Communication on Scientific information in the digital age: access, dissemination and preservation COM(2007) 56 final en, fr, de, other languages
  
  
  • Press release
  • Memo
  • Commission staff working document accompanying the Communication on scientific information in the digital age: access, dissemination and preservation
  
  
  
• February 2007: Conference - Scientific Publishing in the European Research Area
  
  
• December 2006: European Research Advisory Board (EURAB) final report - Scientific Publication: Policy on Open Access
  
  
• December 2006: ERC (European Research Council) Scientific Council Statement on Open Access
  
  
• March 2006: publication of EU-Commissioned Study on the economic and technical evolution of the scientific publication markets in Europe
  
  
  • Press release
  • Public consultation 31 March to 15 June 2006
    
    

EU-funded projects relevant for access to scientific information:

The EU funds a number of projects relevant for access to scientific information through the 7th Research Framework Programme (Work Programmes: Science in Society and Research Infrastructures) and i2010: A European Information Society for growth and employment (Work Programme eContentPlus).

• Funded projects

Funding Opportunities - Calls

• FP7-SiS-2010-1: ACTIVITY 5.1.3 Strengthening and improving the European Science system.
  
  
• FP7-INFRASTRUCTURES-2010-1: INFRA-2010-3.2: Studies, conferences and coordination actions supporting policy development, including international cooperation, in all S&T fields.
  
  
• FP7-INFRASTRUCTURES-2010-2: INFRA-2010-3.3: Coordination actions, conferences and studies supporting policy development, including international cooperation, for e-Infrastructures.
  
  
• ICT Policy Support Programme Call 3 : Closed 02 June 2009
  
  
• FP7-INFRASTRUCTURES-2009-1 : Closed 17 March 2009
  
  
• eContentplus 2008 call : Closed 12 June 2008
  
  
• FP7-SiS-2008-1: Closed 18 March 2008