Striving for Open Science Compliance in Sweden

Achieved Goals and Remaining Challenges

Abstract

Sweden has pursued Open Science as a strategic priority since the 2016 Research and Innovation Bill, which set 2026 targets for open access to publicly funded outputs and “as open as possible, as closed as necessary” research data. Using data from SUHF’s annual Roadmap for Open Science surveys (2023–2025), supplemented by national studies from the National Library of Sweden, the Swedish Research Council, and Vetenskap & Allmänhet, this article evaluates higher education institution’s (HEIs) Open Science implementation across the six priority areas of the National Guidelines for Open Science, with an additional focus on research assessment reform.

Progress is strongest in open access to publications, with most HEIs having initiated or completed actions to publish openly, although hybrid publishing and high costs persist. Research data policies and data management plans are widespread, but FAIR-aligned data sharing remains limited. Support for open research methods is expanding, yet integration into doctoral and undergraduate education is still weak. Open educational resources and public engagement are the least developed areas, with limited reported structured activity, although initiatives are emerging. E-infrastructures for Open Science remain uneven and insufficiently developed, with weak coordination at both national and international levels. Engagement with research assessment reform is increasing, yet substantive changes to assessment practices are still limited. The findings point to persistent gaps between policy and practice, driven by fragmented governance, uneven support and training, and weak incentives. Proposed actions for full Open Science implementation include establishing a shared national vision, building coordinated infrastructures, securing long-term investment, developing skills across the research lifecycle, and aligning incentives and assessment.

The coming decade will need to move beyond commitments and declarations, translating them into sustained, measurable practice to maintain Sweden’s international competitiveness in Open Science.