Open Access

Working Group 3 summary – Open Science and Open Access

The WBC-RRI.NET project aims to promote Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) principles in the Western Balkan Research and Innovation (R&I) ecosystems to enhance self-sustaining R&I systems in the region. The…

Jun 29, 2023

The WBC-RRI.NET project aims to promote Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) principles in the Western Balkan Research and Innovation (R&I) ecosystems to enhance self-sustaining R&I systems in the region. The project is divided into two parts:

  • one that focuses on embedding RRI into local ‘anchor activities’ in different ecosystems, and
  • another that aims to establish a network of like-minded science managers and scientists to promote RRI in the region through three working groups.

The working groups are:

  • Gender and Ethics
  • Science Education and Public Engagement
  • Open Science and Open Access.

The working groups are led by a core group of people and are open for others to join at any point. Interested individuals can fill out a survey to express their interest in joining the working groups and their activities. Below you’ll find the activities of the Working Group “Open Science and Open Access”.

1.Creation of a map of existing institutional open science repositories in WBC:

  • Objective: Compile a list of trusted open science repositories in WBC territories.
  • Expected outcomes: New web page with repository list, report on related KPIs.

2. Overview of existing open science and open access legislative in WB region:

  • Objective: Provide an overview of strategies, policies, and incentives for open science and open access.
  • Expected outcomes: Report on legislative status, recognition of open science, incorporation of OS principles.

3.Promoting the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) and networking:

  • Objective: Support EOSC task forces, share information in the Balkans, and promote EOSC activities.
  • Background: Open Science impact, integration of global working groups.
  • Expected outcomes: Coordination with EOSC, raise awareness, educate young researchers.

4.Linking and liaising with cOalition S and specific promotion towards RFOs:

  • Objective: Network and exchange with cOalition S, promote Plan S, assist in implementing open access policies.
  • Background: cOalition S initiative for immediate open access to research publications.
  • Expected outcomes: WBCs joining cOalition S, endorsement of Plan S by institutions.

5.Webinar series on Open Science and Open Access:

  • Objective: Raise awareness and educate target groups about open science and open access.
  • Background: Global impact of Open Science, transparency of research.
  • Expected outcomes: Increased awareness and education among researchers and the public.

6.Organization of high-level round table about Open Science and Open Access in WBCs:

  • Objective: Inform decision makers, raise awareness, create recommendations for further development.
  • Background: Need for comparative analysis and alignment with Horizon Europe program.
  • Expected outcomes: Increased awareness among decision makers, recommendations for development.

For more information, take a look at our detailed update of the Working Group 3 Action Plan.