Open science outlook 1: status and trends around the world

Abstract

The world has made a global commitment towards open science, embodied in the 2021 UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science. Open science has the potential to reduce disparities in science, technology and innovation while advancing global goals and the human right to participate in and benefit from science and its advancements. It serves not only to amplify access to scientific knowledge by everyone for the benefits of science and society but also to promote opportunities for innovation and participation in the creation of scientific knowledge and the sharing of its benefits. In this context, open science offers cultural, social and economic benefits, including improved inclusivity and trust in science, increased impact, streamlined research and enhanced reproducibility. Open practices can make the scientific process more efficient, transparent and reliable, thereby strengthening evidence for decision-making and trust in science. Each of the multiple actors and stakeholders in science and innovation systems has a role to play in the operationalization of open science—as well as benefits to gain. Cooperation and awareness among these actors can optimize investments, strengthen sustainability of scientific initiatives, address implementation challenges and mitigate possible unintended consequences of open science practices. To be fully effective, open science must be embraced globally, involving a profound shift in the global scientific culture.