‘Open Science’ represents a new approach to the scientific process which
is based on new ways of disseminating and diffusing knowledge. It is key to the
transition from standard practices of publishing research outputs, towards a
research system which embraces active sharing, and the utilization of all
available knowledge and publicly funded research outputs. ‘Open Access’ is a
key part of this, entailing the practice of providing online access to
peer-reviewed, scholarly research papers and scientific/academic information
for reading, distribution, and productive re-use, not impeded by any financial,
organizational, legal, or technical barriers.
The development of a National Open Access Policy for Malta is a
response to the present conservative publication culture and lack of structured
research data sharing of the Maltese Research and Innovation system. The Policy aims at improving
the circulation of knowledge within the Maltese scientific system, fostering broader dissemination of research results, enhancement in
the quality of scientific research, and engagement of society.
The National Open Access Policy presents a
roadmap targeted at local Research Performing Organizations (RPOs), and
Research Funding Organizations (RFOs). It focuses on different subject areas,
namely, open access to scientific publications, open research data under the
principle of "as open as possible, as closed as necessary", and
related actions on awareness raising, skills, training, and support, as well as
research and researcher assessment. The Policy defines concrete phases for each
subject area, with actions at each phase develop experience, skills, and
competences, and establish infrastructure which becomes permanent and is
exploited in successive phases. The fact that phases of each subject area build
on previous ones facilitates the process towards achieving the projected goals.
This approach renders this policy as operational as possible and strikes a
balance between an over-ambitious policy, which would not find the support of
local stakeholders, and an unambitious and uncontroversial policy which would
not significantly improve the state of ‘Open Access’ in Malta.
The Policy envisages the implementation of
specific actions to be completed by the end of the year 2025. More
specifically, by that time it seeks to support Malta in transitioning to a
state of immediate ‘Open Access’ in terms of scientific publications, together
with significant progress in upgrading existing and/or developing new policies,
infrastructure, and synergies necessary for FAIR research data management. Moreover,
the Policy encourages and provides guidance for local RPOs and RFOs to adjust
their respective, institutional research/researcher assessment practices in a
way that these adequately reward and incentivize ‘Open Access’ practices. The
Policy calls for, a systematic upgrade of existing ‘Open Access’ training
activities and the development of well-coordinated support mechanisms fostering
upskilling and increase in competences across all relevant Maltese
institutions. It also calls for a strong Governance Structure, that will ensure
a well-coordinated effort, based on inclusiveness, trust and commitment which
ultimately ensures the long-term success of the policy.