New EC Study: Improving Access to and Reuse of Research Results, Publications and Data for Scientific Purposes

Today, the European Commission released a study focused on enhancing access to and reuse of research findings, encompassing publications and data for scientific endeavours. This marks a significant step under the European Research Area Policy Agenda 2022-2024 on an EU copyright and data legislative and regulatory framework fit for research.  

The study has pinpointed obstacles and hurdles to accessing and reusing publicly funded research outcomes, assessed the impacts of the EU copyright framework on research, and identified pertinent provisions for research within EU data and digital legislation. Building upon this analysis, it proposes a range of legislative and non-legislative actions to enhance the unrestricted dissemination of knowledge, thereby bolstering the European Research Area. 

Researchers commonly face barriers such as their organisations lacking subscriptions, challenges obtaining permissions from copyright owners, and concerns regarding potential copyright infringement. Research-performing organisations highlight difficulties stemming from copyright laws, not only in accessing and reusing publicly funded research outcomes but also in disseminating results through open access channels.