The "One Nation, One Subscription" (ONOS) initiative is set to democratize access to high-quality academic content in India, breaking barriers that previously limited comprehensive subscriptions to wealthier institutions. Mandy Hill, Managing Director of Academic Publishing at Cambridge University Press (CUP), highlighted the transformative impact of ONOS, ensuring that researchers across all institutions gain equal access to valuable academic resources.
During her visit to India, Hill discussed CUP’s support for the Indian government’s ambitions under ONOS and outlined future strategies. She emphasized that while accessibility is a crucial step, the real objective is to empower Indian researchers to contribute meaningfully to the global knowledge economy.
Equitable Access to Research Content
The Indian government launched the ONOS initiative in December, granting researchers nationwide access to over 3,400 international journals covering various fields, including science, technology, engineering, medicine, mathematics, management, social sciences, and humanities. The program is coordinated by the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous center under the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Hill acknowledged that, before ONOS, digital library access varied significantly across institutions. Some universities subscribed to CUP’s entire collection, while others had limited or no access. She described ONOS as a "game changer," ensuring uniform availability of academic materials, fostering research quality, and increasing output.
Next Steps: Open Access and Research Support
Looking ahead, Hill expressed that ONOS is only the first phase of a broader vision. The next step should focus on open-access publishing, allowing Indian research greater visibility and impact on a global scale. Cambridge University Press aligns with this goal and is eager to collaborate with policymakers to facilitate the transition.
Improving Research Publication Standards
While ONOS expands access, Hill noted that Indian researchers often face challenges in getting their work published in high-impact journals. She pointed out that a high volume of research submissions comes from India, but acceptance rates remain relatively low. To bridge this gap, CUP plans to introduce initiatives such as:
Author Workshops: Training sessions to help researchers enhance their writing and publication skills.
Article Processing Charge (APC) Guidance: Support for researchers navigating publishing costs and funding options.
Credit-Based Research Programs: Additional academic support structures to enhance scholarly contributions.
Collaborations and Institutional Support
As part of its commitment to India’s research ecosystem, CUP has signed an agreement with Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU). This collaboration will provide e-book access to 211 institutions, benefiting over 350,000 students and researchers. Hill emphasized that equitable pricing and broad access remain core principles of CUP’s mission, ensuring that knowledge reaches a wider audience beyond ONOS.
Beyond government initiatives, CUP also engages with private institutions through transformative agreements, allowing them to access content and publish research in open-access formats at no cost.