Gold represents those publications where the final published version of an article (Version of Record) is freely and permanently available online immediately on publication for anyone, anywhere to read. This includes articles in hybrid journals. See Methodology and Notes for more information.
Green represents those publications where a version of an article is publicly shared online, often as an Accepted Manuscript. To support a sustainable business model, publishers may maintain an embargo and/or may retain an Exclusive License to Publish. Articles, reviews and conference papers are counted as Green open access only if they are not also Gold. See Methodology and Notes for more information.
Bronze represents those publications that are made free-to-read on the publisher’s website, but are not identified as gold for one of the following reasons: access for a limited duration, an unclear license, or a license that is clear but is not a Creative Commons license. See Methodology and Notes for more information.
Subscription-only represents those publications that are available through individual or institutional subscriptions, individual purchases, or other programs (e.g. Research4Life) but not available through Open Access. See Methodology and Notes for more information.
Gold OA is the most selected OA type
…for authors in all the top 30 countries/regions. In sixteen of the top 30 countries/regions, gold OA comprises at least half of total publications in 2024; Sweden (80%), The Netherlands (74%), Switzerland (70%), South Africa (70%), Poland (69%), United Kingdom (68%), Australia (66%), Spain (66%), Germany (64%),Portugal (63%), Italy (59%), Saudi Arabia (57%), Indonesia (58%), Mexico (53%), Canada (50%) and Thailand (50%). Egypt and Japan are also very near to achieving this milestone at 49%. In only two countries/regions does gold OA account for 30% or less in 2024; China (29%) and India (22%), who are ranked first and third respectively, in terms of total article output.
Gold represents those publications where the final published version of an article (Version of Record) is freely and permanently available online immediately on publication for anyone, anywhere to read. This includes articles in hybrid journals. See Methodology and Notes for more information.
Green represents those publications where a version of an article is publicly shared online, often as an Accepted Manuscript. To support a sustainable business model, publishers may maintain an embargo and/or may retain an Exclusive License to Publish. Articles, reviews and conference papers are counted as Green open access only if they are not also Gold. See Methodology and Notes for more information.
Bronze represents those publications that are made free-to-read on the publisher’s website, but are not identified as gold for one of the following reasons: access for a limited duration, an unclear license, or a license that is clear but is not a Creative Commons license. See Methodology and Notes for more information.
Subscription-only represents those publications that are available through individual or institutional subscriptions, individual purchases, or other programs (e.g. Research4Life) but not available through Open Access. See Methodology and Notes for more information.
Gold OA is available for the majority of articles, reviews and conference papers
…for authors in half all of the top thirty countries/regions (by volume of output) in 2024. The availability of gold OA exceeded 90% for fifteen countries or regions. Gold availability fell below 80% for two of the top 30; India (79%) and Russian Federation (71%)
Gold represents those publications where the final published version of an article (Version of Record) is freely and permanently available online immediately on publication for anyone, anywhere to read. This includes articles in hybrid journals. See Methodology and Notes for more information.
Green represents those publications where a version of an article is publicly shared online, often as an Accepted Manuscript. To support a sustainable business model, publishers may maintain an embargo and/or may retain an Exclusive License to Publish. Articles, reviews and conference papers are counted as Green open access only if they are not also Gold. See Methodology and Notes for more information.
Bronze represents those publications that are made free-to-read on the publisher’s website, but are not identified as gold for one of the following reasons: access for a limited duration, an unclear license, or a license that is clear but is not a Creative Commons license. See Methodology and Notes for more information.
Subscription-only represents those publications that are available through individual or institutional subscriptions, individual purchases, or other programs (e.g. Research4Life) but not available through Open Access. See Methodology and Notes for more information.
Authors increasingly selected gold OA for their publications
… across the ten-year period for all of the top 30 countries and regions except Brazil. However, the years 2023 to 2024 show a decline in the selection of gold for over half of the countries shown (14) and no growth in a further three. For the combined output of the top 30 countries, the selection of gold dropped, for the first time, from 50% to 48%.
The greatest increase in the selection of gold OA, in terms of share of publications where gold OA was available between 2014 and 2024, can be seen in The Netherlands (57%), Sweden (56%) and Switzerland (51%). In 2024, gold OA was selected in 50% or more cases for 20 of the countries/regions listed.
Gold represents those publications where the final published version of an article (Version of Record) is freely and permanently available online immediately on publication for anyone, anywhere to read. This includes articles in hybrid journals. See Methodology and Notes for more information.
Green represents those publications where a version of an article is publicly shared online, often as an Accepted Manuscript. To support a sustainable business model, publishers may maintain an embargo and/or may retain an Exclusive License to Publish. Articles, reviews and conference papers are counted as Green open access only if they are not also Gold. See Methodology and Notes for more information.
Bronze represents those publications that are made free-to-read on the publisher’s website, but are not identified as gold for one of the following reasons: access for a limited duration, an unclear license, or a license that is clear but is not a Creative Commons license. See Methodology and Notes for more information.
Subscription-only represents those publications that are available through individual or institutional subscriptions, individual purchases, or other programs (e.g. Research4Life) but not available through Open Access. See Methodology and Notes for more information.
Gold represents those publications where the final published version of an article (Version of Record) is freely and permanently available online immediately on publication for anyone, anywhere to read. This includes articles in hybrid journals. See Methodology and Notes for more information.
Green represents those publications where a version of an article is publicly shared online, often as an Accepted Manuscript. To support a sustainable business model, publishers may maintain an embargo and/or may retain an Exclusive License to Publish. Articles, reviews and conference papers are counted as Green open access only if they are not also Gold. See Methodology and Notes for more information.
Bronze represents those publications that are made free-to-read on the publisher’s website, but are not identified as gold for one of the following reasons: access for a limited duration, an unclear license, or a license that is clear but is not a Creative Commons license. See Methodology and Notes for more information.
Subscription-only represents those publications that are available through individual or institutional subscriptions, individual purchases, or other programs (e.g. Research4Life) but not available through Open Access. See Methodology and Notes for more information.
Leading regions and groupings in total article outputs and OA
Authors in Asia, as a region, produced just over half (51%) of global articles, reviews and conference papers in 2024. Authors in Europe produced 22% while authors in the Americas produced 16% (North America 13% and South America 3%) , followed by those based in Africa (3%), South America (3%) and Oceania (2%). Authors based in the European Union produced 16% and those based in countries and regions eligible for Research4Life funding produced 5%.
Many countries/regions in Europe are leaders in embracing open access and 61% of publications authored in Europe (as a geographical region, not the European Union) were gold OA in 2024, representing 34% of gold OA articles globally. Gold OA is now the dominant article type in Africa and Oceania, exceeding subscription-only publishing. Gold is also on the cusp of overtaking subscription-only publishing in South America and Research4Life eligible countries and regions.
Research4Life provides institutions in lower and middle-income countries/regions with access to academic and professional peer-reviewed content. This chart shows the aggregated total output of articles, reviews and conference papers by authors based in eligible countries/regions. The share of gold OA for these countries/regions in 2024, at 45%, exceeds the global figure of 40%.
