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Trapped in transformative agreements? A multifaceted analysis of >1,000 contracts

Author

Listed:
  • W Benedikt Schmal
  • Laura Rothfritz
  • Ulrich Herb

Abstract

Transformative agreements between academic publishers and research institutions are ubiquitous. The ‘Efficiency and Standards for Article Charges’ 8 (ESAC) Initiative lists more than 1,000 contracts in its database. We make use of this unique dataset by web-scraping the details of every contract to 10 substantially expand the overview spreadsheet provided by the ESAC Initiative. Based on that hitherto unused data source, we combine qualitative and 12 quantitative methods to conduct an in-depth analysis of the contract characteristics and the TA landscape. Our analysis demonstrates that research 14 institutions seem to be ‘trapped’ in transformative agreements. Instead of being a bridge towards a fully Open Access world, academia is stuck in the 16 hybrid system. This endows the legacy (non-Open Access) publishing houses with substantial market power. It raises entry barriers, lowers competition, 18 and increases costs for libraries and universities.

Suggested Citation

  • W Benedikt Schmal & Laura Rothfritz & Ulrich Herb, 2024. "Trapped in transformative agreements? A multifaceted analysis of >1,000 contracts," Working Papers of Department of Management, Strategy and Innovation, Leuven 750047, KU Leuven, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Department of Management, Strategy and Innovation, Leuven.
    • Handle: RePEc:ete:msiper:750047
    Note: paper number MSI_2408
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