This week I saw a new discussion on the ALPSP LinkedIn page, "what are the biggest issues facing publishers?" Many of the comments posted from the publishing and research communities within that discussion as well as other discussions on the web correspond with the findings released in our latest report. The report is called, Pressure to Publish: How Globalization and Technology are Increasing Misconduct in Scholarly Research.
Based on recent interviews with scholarly researchers, publishers and associated organizations, including the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), iThenticate found common themes:
- Journal submissions are at an all-time high
- Plagiarism and misconduct cases are increasing
- Processes at publications for protecting intellectual property is non-existent or poor
What is causing this increased pressure to publish?
From the report: "Globalization and technology are changing scholarly research and how these changes impact researchers, institutions and publications around the world...Researchers can easily log onto a computer and gain instant access to data, collaboration and funding sources. They are no longer limited to the finite resources of their institutions, and now have global access and influence. Scholarly research has more participants in the field, increasing the level of competition. Submissions to publications, as well as rejections and retractions, are at an all-time high. As global and technological influences alter the world of academic research, the means and incentives for scholarly misconduct are increasing." (Read more)
What transformations do you see within scholarly research and publication?