The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation published on 16 September 2011 a call for tenders for a study to develop a set of indicators to measure open access (i.e., free access over the internet to research results). This study will be funded under the EU’s Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration activities (FP7, 2007-2013), the Specific Programme Capacities (Science in Society Work programme, Activity 5.1.3 Strengthening and improving the European science system). The importance of open access policies is highlighted in the European agenda including the aims of the European Research Area (ERA) and two Europe 2020 Flagship Initiatives, “A Digital Agenda for Europe” and “Innovation Union”.

The main objective of the study is to develop an indicator, based on a sound methodology, ensuring a yearly and sustainable monitoring of the growth of open access literature from 2000 onwards within the ERA and beyond.

Three main activities (work packages) are requested under the contract: 

• indicator on open access literature as a proportion of the overall share of scientific literature; 
• study on open access strategies in ERA countries and some select non-ERA countries; and 
• exploratory study on a composed indicator measuring the growth of open access in terms of literature, policies, journals and repositories.

The results of this tender will contribute to the development of an evidence-based monitoring system on progress towards the ERA. They will also serve as a tool to analyse open access policies in the ERA and beyond and draw future policy initiatives. More detailed information about the tender is available on the website of the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation.

Deadline: 31 October 2011 European Commission, Directorate General for Research and Innovation