COAR and UNESCO have published a joint statement about open access which outlines some major concerns around the current drive towards article processing charges (APCs). The statement is aimed at policy makers and underscores the need for a variety of OA models to be implemented around the world. 
“Open access is a global trend, with policies and practices rapidly being adopted around the world. As the world enters a new era of sustainable development, openness and inclusiveness in scientific research will become increasingly critical. While most governments agree on the underlying principles of open access, there is significant diversity in the way countries have approached its implementation. These differences reflect a range of perspectives, values, and priorities of the different regions. Clearly, there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution to implementing open access.”
“Open access is a global trend, with policies and practices rapidly being adopted around the world. As the world enters a new era of sustainable development, openness and inclusiveness in scientific research will become increasingly critical. While most governments agree on the underlying principles of open access, there is significant diversity in the way countries have approached its implementation. These differences reflect a range of perspectives, values, and priorities of the different regions. Clearly, there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution to implementing open access.”Amongst the drawbacks to the model of simply “flipping” subscription journals to APC-based OA, the statement identifies as the most pressing:
- Amongst the drawbacks to the model of simply “flipping” subscription journals to APC-based OA, the statement identifies as the most pressing:
- That institutions with smaller budgets and in developing countries would be locked out of publishing in such a system.
- That it might lead to avoid further concentration in the international publishing industry.
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That APCs may lead to higher systemic costs, curb innovation, and inhibit the scholarly community’s ability to take advantage of new models and tools.
Read the full statement here.