Jisc’s new licensing approach to support open research infrastructure

Jisc has introduced a new approach to licensing open infrastructure solutions aimed at helping UK institutions adopt more cost-effective, collaborative and strategically aligned alternatives across the research lifecycle.

Developed with support from the Equitable Licensing Oversight Group, the initiative reinforces Jisc’s commitment to open research by strengthening the infrastructure needed to counter rising costs and systemic pressures.

The new approach responds to several challenges facing universities, including growing academic workloads driven by increasing article volumes and persistently high per-article charges. By investing in open infrastructure, institutions can reduce their reliance on expensive proprietary systems, lower financial risk, and support innovation while restoring greater academic control over research outputs.

In its initial phase, the offering positions open infrastructure as a credible alternative for publishing and dissemination services. It highlights tools and platforms that provide greater transparency around the costs of individual service components, while also helping to mitigate research integrity concerns linked to rapid article growth. Jisc argues that reduced dependence on read-and-publish agreements could allow universities to redirect investment towards sustainable, community-driven solutions aligned with sector priorities.

Through sector-negotiated agreements, Jisc aims to increase trust in open solutions as robust and scalable options, encouraging long-term investment and future sustainability. The initiative builds on a rigorous evaluation process drawing on assessments by Invest in Open Infrastructure and the Global Sustainability Coalition for Open Science Services. All suppliers included have passed comprehensive checks demonstrating sustainability, compliance with open standards and software compatibility, aligned with the Principles of Open Scholarly Infrastructure.

Jisc says open infrastructure supports key priorities such as REF strategy, People and Research Environment indicators, open research policies and financial sustainability. Benefits include improved research visibility and preservation, fewer barriers to re-use, and greater opportunities for international collaboration, while embedding open research practices into institutional workflows and digital strategies.

“Open infrastructure is essential for a sustainable research future. By offering credible alternatives to commercial systems, we’re helping institutions protect budgets, meet strategic goals, and invest in solutions that serve the whole sector,” said Caren Milloy, Director of licensing at Jisc.

According to Jisc, open infrastructure also fosters cross-institutional connectivity, enabling researchers and libraries to work more seamlessly across platforms. By highlighting mature and reliable open solutions, the organisation hopes institutions will increasingly direct resources towards infrastructure that delivers shared, long-term benefit for the sector.

Looking ahead, Jisc will work with libraries and other advocates to help champion open infrastructure within institutions. Future phases of the initiative are expected to extend beyond publishing to include infrastructure supporting a wider range of university activities.

Further details are available in the Secure and sustainable digital research infrastructure section of Jisc’s licence agreements listing.