Springer Nature progress report shows increasing use of open access research

Springer Nature’s annual progress report has revealed its progress in the last year with particular leaps in technology and increased publication of primary research across public access.

The publisher said the research has “outlined the important role the company’s continued investment in technology is playing in supporting its staff in further accelerating the publication process, protecting the integrity of the academic record” and delivering more value to users.

The 42-page report, entitled "Advancing Knowledge", also revealed that 420,000 primary research articles were published—equivalent to more than 1,100 articles per day—and 44% of primary research articles were published across open access (OA): a significant increase from 38% in 2022. Content is being used more with downloads reaching 3.1 billion, or 8.5 million every day, an 8% increase year on year.

There has also been continued investment in Springer Nature’s workforce of around 9,400 people in over 40 countries such as the launch employer proposition, Be Part of Progress. Earlier this year the company was recognised externally as a Leading Employer in Germany, the UK and the US.

Macmillan Education developed 86 new textbook series with the level of sales returning to pre-pandemic levels in its 180th anniversary year.

Progress across the business also translated into growing demand for Springer Nature’s services and a strong financial performance, with underlying revenue growth of 5.2% and revenues of €1.85bn (£1.55m).

In 2023 spend in technology increased to more than €173m (£1.45m) and over a third of employees in the research division are now in tech-heavy roles.

Investment in in-house created research integrity tools such as Geppetto, which scans submissions for suspicious text, and SnappShot, which detects manipulated images, supported in the identification of around 8,000 submissions with major integrity problems.

AskAdis, an AI-powered conversational interface developed for the pharmaceutical sector is providing more immediate and relevant answers to research questions.

Additionally last year Springer Nature said it published a record number of articles including open access (OA) articles, “meaning more research was immediately and freely available for all to use than ever before” and that “this led to a significant increase in the use of our content”.

Frank Vrancken Peeters, chief executive of Springer Nature, said: “I am proud of the positive progress and change we delivered for the communities we serve in 2023. In no small part this was due to our talented and dedicated colleagues in over 40 countries who are helping researchers, clinicians, students and teachers find solutions to the world’s biggest challenges.

“Our significant investments in technology and open access publishing ensured we were able to grow our business responsibly, maintaining high standards and impact, while propelling us towards a future where knowledge is universally accessible. This not only supports the advancement of science but also enhances equity and inclusivity in research. With protecting the integrity of scientific research becoming increasingly important, we also doubled the size of our research integrity group to ensure the research we publish can be trusted and built on to advance new discoveries.”

To read the report visit this website.