Small publishers face threat from scale, not open access
An independent report commissioned by Knowledge Exchange argues that open access (OA) is not the main threat facing small European academic publishers. Instead, the real challenge lies in structural inequities that favour larger organisations.
The report, Small European publishers and the transition to open access publishing: a 2025 snapshot, was written by Information Power and examines how smaller publishers are navigating the shift to OA across Europe. It finds that while many small publishers are broadly aligned with the principles of open access, they face disproportionate pressure from funding systems, administrative requirements, library negotiations and prestige dynamics that tend to benefit larger players.
According to the analysis, scale plays a decisive role. Larger publishers are better equipped to manage complex compliance rules, negotiate transformative agreements and absorb financial risk. Smaller organisations, by contrast, often operate with limited staff and infrastructure, making it harder to compete on equal terms within evolving funding and policy frameworks.
The report warns that without systemic reform, Europe risks losing important elements of bibliodiversity – particularly in the humanities and social sciences, as well as regional and non-English-language publishing. Smaller publishers are often deeply embedded in local research communities and linguistic contexts that larger firms may not prioritise.
Information Power director Alicia Wise said: “For trade associations and the wider publishing community, the strategic takeaway is that there are market fairness and sustainability issues. Ensuring proportionate regulation, equitable funding flows, shared infrastructure, and recognition for quality small publishers will be critical to maintaining a diverse and competitive scholarly ecosystem.”