Who and Why is the ‘Publisher of Choice’? A Global vs. Indian Perspective

This is the third article in the series titled "India’s Rise in the World of Research Publications."

Explore the growth journey of India's scholarly publishing landscape. From overcoming challenges to achieving milestones, this case study dives into the numbers, key takeaways, suggestions, and key players propelling India to the forefront of global research. Discover how a nation is redefining its future of publishing.

Please read the previous articles here:

Article 1: Scaling New Heights: India's Rise in the World of Research Publications

Article 2: How Countries are Leading in Open Access Publishing: Lessons for India

A Short Recap

In previous discussions, we explored how nations worldwide are focusing on enhancing their publication output and effectively communicating research to the public. India, although improving, still lags in research publication output. While India ranks third globally in overall publication output, much of its research is confined to “Closed” publishing, limiting access to those with subscriptions. In contrast, many developed countries are shifting towards Open Access (OA) publishing, adopting policies to make research universally accessible. Globally, OA publishing is gaining traction, with European countries publishing nearly 80% of their work in OA, while the US and China maintain a 50% rate in Hybrid and OA. Despite significant growth over the past five years, India still has a lot of ground to cover.

Comparing India vs. Global Publishing Landscape

In this article, we delve into the question: “Where” or who is the Publisher of Choice globally? Data from Dimensions (Digital Science) offers intriguing insights.

Global Publishing Landscape

In the last five years, over 13.5 million articles have been published worldwide. Elsevier, with a 31% share, leads the pack, followed by Springer Nature at 24%. These two giants collectively account for almost 55% of global publications. Other notable publishers include IEEE (11%), Wiley (10%), Taylor & Francis (9%), MDPI (9%), and OUP (7%). Interestingly, while Elsevier saw consistent growth from 2019 to 2022, there was a slight decline in publications in 2023. Springer Nature, Wiley, and Taylor & Francis maintained stable growth, with IEEE showing modest growth in 2023. Oxford University Press (OUP), consistent until 2022, experienced an explosive 200% growth in 2023, mainly in the “Closed” space. This surge was driven by technological advancements and expanded academic outreach into 184 countries (as reported by the publisher in their annual report). MDPI also witnessed a remarkable 150% growth, driven by its strong OA push.

Indian Publishing Landscape

India contributed approximately 850K articles (6%) to the global total. Within India, Springer Nature (35%), closely followed by Elsevier (29%) – both collectively marking a ‘Publisher of Choice’ positing not just in India but globally as well. Other significant players include IEEE (17%), Taylor & Francis (7%), Wiley (6%), and Wolters Kluwer (6%). Over the past five years, these leading publishers have increased their output by 75-80%. Springer Nature and Elsevier have maintained a consistent growth trajectory, with IEEE showing significant growth in 2023, particularly in the “Closed” space. Interestingly, Wolters Kluwer, not among the top seven globally, ranks sixth in India, while Taylor & Francis and Wiley also shift positions compared to the global landscape.

What Academics Need to Consider

Scholarly publishers like Springer Nature, Elsevier, IEEE, Taylor & Francis, Wiley, etc play a crucial role in academia. They engage researchers and institutions through various strategies, offering significant benefits, especially for Indian researchers.

Strategies to Engage Academics and Organizations

1. Open Access Initiatives: Many publishers have adopted OA models, making research accessible to a global audience. This shift is crucial in India, where research funding is often limited.
2. Robust Peer Review Process: These publishers maintain stringent peer review standards, enhancing research credibility and global knowledge. Publishing in reputable journals can significantly boost an Indian researcher’s academic profile.
3. Comprehensive Editorial Support: From manuscript preparation to publication, these publishers provide extensive support, including guidelines and editing services, essential for researchers, especially those for whom English is a second language.
4. Collaborations and Partnerships: Publishers like Elsevier and Springer Nature partner with academic institutions and governments, providing Indian researchers access to resources, funding, and collaborative opportunities.
5. Special Issues and Conferences: Organizing special issues and conferences, like those by IEEE, offers platforms for researchers to present and discuss their work, enhancing their visibility and networking opportunities.
6. Digital and Technological Innovations: Advanced online submission systems, like those used by MDPI, streamline the publishing process, making it easier for researchers globally, including those in India, to submit their work.

Benefits for Indian Researchers

Publishing with leading publishers offers numerous advantages:

1. Global Visibility: Ensures research reaches a global audience, enhancing its impact and citation rate.
2. Credibility and Recognition: Publication in high-impact journals boosts researchers’ credibility, vital for career advancement and funding opportunities.
3. Access to Resources: Partnerships provide access to extensive databases, libraries, and resources often beyond the reach of individual researchers or institutions in India.

Choosing reputable publishers ensures that research is widely disseminated and preserved for future reference, enhancing its global impact and contributing positively to the academic community.

A Word of Caution: Predatory Journals

While reputable publishers offer numerous benefits, it’s essential to beware of predatory journals. These exploit the OA model by charging high fees without proper editorial and peer review services, damaging a researcher’s reputation. Predatory journals often lack transparency and rigorous standards, potentially jeopardizing the quality and permanence of published work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the global and Indian publishing landscapes offer valuable insights for academic researchers in India. Key takeaways include the necessity of choosing reputable publishers to ensure global visibility and impact. These publishers provide robust peer review processes, enhancing credibility and recognition, which are vital for career growth and funding opportunities. Collaborations with established publishers also grant access to extensive resources and networking opportunities, fostering research advancement. Embracing Open Access (OA) models can significantly increase the accessibility and dissemination of research, aligning with global trends and benefitting the wider community. Importantly, researchers must avoid predatory journals that compromise quality and reputation. For Indian researchers, strategically selecting leading publishers not only boosts their academic contributions but also enhances their standing on the global stage. By focusing on quality, transparency, and global standards, Indian researchers can drive impactful research and innovation, contributing meaningfully to the global knowledge pool.

In our next article we will look into India vs Global Publication output – with some specific focus on Open Access.