Validated model of key OS Impact pathways and guidelines/recommendations

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What is this about?

Validated Model of Key Open Science Impact Pathways and Guidelines/Recommendations is a project deliverable from the European Commission-funded PathOS initiative. The document presents a validated model explaining how Open Science practices like Open Access publishing, FAIR data, and citizen science create impacts in academic, societal, and economic realms. Over three years, the project asked: What impacts does Open Science have? How do they occur? And what factors help or hinder these impacts? The report finds that Open Science accelerates knowledge sharing, encourages collaboration, and increases research visibility, but benefits are unevenly distributed. Societal impacts include empowering communities and improving outcomes in health and the environment. Economic gains such as reduced research costs and innovation potential are identified but often lack strong direct evidence. The deliverable also highlights challenges: access alone isn’t enough, equity must be ensured, and robust methods are needed to measure impact. Practical recommendations are offered for policymakers and institutions.

Why is this important?

This work is important because it provides empirical evidence and a conceptual framework showing how Open Science contributes to research and society. By validating impact pathways, it helps policymakers, funders, and institutions understand not just that Open Science matters, but how it creates real benefits such as faster knowledge dissemination, increased collaboration, and broader societal engagement. It also identifies barriers and equity issues, helping leaders design more inclusive and effective research systems. Importantly, the guidelines can inform strategic decisions about investing in open infrastructures and measuring research value beyond traditional metrics. In an era where publicly funded research is increasingly expected to deliver societal return, this model supports more evidence-based strategies for advancing Open Science.

For whom is this important?

Citizen ScientistsCivil society organisations & NGOsPolicy makersResearch Institutions and UniversitiesResearchers

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