Policy & advocacy

STM works in partnership across the research ecosystem to advocate for policies which advance trusted research. In dialogue with governments, funders, institutions, researchers, and beyond, we aim to enable and drive openness, innovation and sustainability through the following activities:

Representation & voice

Serving as the collective voice for our members, representing their interests to government bodies, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders. 

Policy development & analysis

Developing policy positions and recommendations that align with the interests of our members. We analyze current and proposed legislation to understand its impact on the industry and provide expert insights.

Advocacy and lobbying

Actively engaging with lawmakers, regulators, and other decision-makers to advocate for policies that support the industry’s growth and sustainability. This can involve direct lobbying, participating in public consultations, and submitting formal comments on proposed regulations.

Stakeholder engagement

Building and maintaining relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, industry partners, and the public. 

Policy updates

Ensuring that members are informed about relevant policy developments, regulatory changes, and other critical issues that could affect their strategies and operations. 

Education and training

Providing educational resources and training to members on compliance with regulations, best practices in advocacy, and understanding the policy landscape.

Research and data analysis

Conducting and commissioning research to support advocacy efforts, providing data and evidence to back policy positions and demonstrate the industry’s value and impact. 

Coalition building

Forming coalitions with other organizations and industries to strengthen advocacy efforts and present a united front on common issues.

ACCESS

EXPLORE STM POLICY & ADVOCACY POSITIONS, STATEMENTS, GUIDELINES & MORE

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Drill deeper

Meet the STM Chapters

STM Chapters connect regional members with STM leadership, support local needs, and ensure strategies reflect cultural and regional contexts.

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Our work protecting author rights and IP

View this collection of resources and positions around intellectual property.

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Our work on AI

STM explores AI’s impact on scholarly communication, providing insights and resources to help members navigate opportunities and challenges in this evolving era.

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Latest policy updates from around the globe

EU Parliament adopts position on copyright and AI

On 10 March, the European Parliament adopted its position on AI and copyright in plenary session. No further amendments were tabled following the committee vote, and the final report reflects the version previously available. The text stops short of recommending a reopening of the 2019 EU Copyright Directive, but acknowledges its ambiguous application in the AI…

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IFRRO releases study on publishing industry in Asia-Pacific

IFRRO has published a comparative regional analysis of publishing markets across Asia-Pacific, covering market segmentation, revenue and growth trends, digital transformation, copyright and open access frameworks, and the evolving impact of artificial intelligence. An extended version — a 200+ page document featuring detailed analysis of 13 focus countries — will also be made available. Read…

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UK Publishers Association publishes comprehensive account of AI content licensing

The Publishers Association has released a detailed report on how book and journal publishers license content for AI use — finding that the AI licensing market is established and growing, with high-quality publisher content increasingly in demand to power AI innovation and scientific discovery. Key findings include: The AI licensing market has firm foundations, with…

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EU Commission adopts draft Council recommendation on science diplomacy

The European Commission has adopted draft Council recommendations on science diplomacy, which will now be discussed by national delegations ahead of final adoption in May 2026. Academic publishers are recognised as non-state actors in science diplomacy — acknowledged for their expertise, international networks, and innovative capacity to open new avenues for innovation and strengthen global partnerships beyond…

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