An analysis of the implementation of the open access mandate to the results of scientific research in Spain and the role of institutional repositories

Abstract

In recent years, the obligation to offer open access to scientific and technological results obtained in the framework of publicly funded research has gradually become mandatory. What began as a recommendation in some specific projects is, today, an unavoidable legal mandate in all projects funded with European funds and those of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (article 37 of the Science Law). Its reason for being is perfectly logical: if our work is paid for with taxpayers' money, it is fair that the taxpayer should be able to access the results of the work without having to pay for it again. However, this mandate confronts researchers and the institutions to which they belong with serious difficulties for which a solution must be found. In this article I will try to carry out an analysis, based on my experience in recent years, of this new scenario.