Beginning in 2019, SPARC has regularly provided our community with market analyses and suggestions for accompanying action to better navigate the rapidly evolving research and education environments. This page hosts our most current analysis as well as those we’ve produced in the past for reference.
Financial Landscape Analysis 2026: Scholarly Publishing & Research Analytics Companies
SPARC Blogs
Latest from SPARC
SPARC Statement on GAO Report GAO-26-107738: Federal Research Publishing Costs May 2026
On May 21, 2026 the Government Accountability Office released a new report, Federal Research: Agencies Should Better Manage Anticipated Publishing Cost Increases Amid Shift to Public Access (GAO-26-107738). SPARC issued the following statement in response:
The federal government has one obligation in public access policy: ensure that taxpayers can access the results of the research
Theme for Open Access Week 2026 is “The Cost of Knowledge”
“The Cost of Knowledge” is the theme for this year’s International Open Access Week (October 19-25).We create and share knowledge in order to advance human understanding and the common good. We recognize that accessing and sharing knowledge is a human right. Yet, the costs to access and share knowledge continue to increase, often dramatically. Why?
April Clyburne-Sherin joins SPARC team as Senior Manager for Programs & Engagement
SPARC is pleased to welcome April Clyburne-Sherin as a Senior Manager, Programs & Engagement. In this newly created position, she will play a central role in translating SPARC’s strategic direction into effective, responsive programs for members and the broader community.
Clyburne-Sherin has been an open research consultant since 2017, working with a variety of clients
South Africa and Australia Embrace Promising Open Science Policies
After years of public and government consideration, the South African government approved a National Open Science Policy in December 2025. It requires all research outputs that arise from public funding be made available open access. The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation published details of the landmark policy in March 2026.
“Faster, less costly access
Wisconsin Meets the Moment with OER for Workforce Training
After Wisconsin’s success in creating Open Educational Resources (OER) for nursing students, the state expanded its investment in open textbook production – benefiting learners at the state’s 16 technical colleges and beyond.
Many are saving money on textbooks as they pursue in-demand workforce skills in manufacturing, early childhood education, and healthcare. More than 30 open
Emily Gore and Emma Molls elected to lead SPARC Steering Committee
The post Emily Gore and Emma Molls elected to lead SPARC Steering Committee appeared first on SPARC.
Rapid Reaction Takeaways from Libraries Navigating Changes in On-Demand Purchasing
The post Rapid Reaction Takeaways from Libraries Navigating Changes in On-Demand Purchasing appeared first on SPARC.
Authors Alliance and SPARC Release Third “Legal Pathways to Open Access” White Paper on Federal Grants and Institutional IP Policies
Open Education Community Keeps Eyes on the Horizon at October Conference
Whether at the conference in Denver or tuning in from around the world, participants of OpenEd25 said they felt a sense of connection and community at the October 28-30 event.
This year’s hybrid Open Education Conference attracted over 1,600 participants including 480 in-person and more than 1,100 online. Headliners Colorado Governor Jared Polis, best-selling