Abstract

Rune Nilsen
University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway

Research knowledge in a global perspective, a public good or part of a knowledge apartheid.

Development of a knowledge society and knowledge economies are key goals of modern societies. Knowledge as a public good is becoming a core of these goals. On the one hand it is a really move into an Open Access for research knowledge in some sectors of academia. On the other, strong attitudes and disincentives are working against this development.
A scientific publication is only filling its name when it is bringing new knowledge, reaching the global research community and this is used.
If these indicators are not met, ghettos of the knowledge society are established, by those who have and those who have not access to knowledge. The knowledge societies of the developing part of the world are now parts of a growing "Academic Apartheid".
The Open Access process, internationally now including more and more universities, disciplines and not least funding agencies, becomes one major tool for an open knowledge society. In particular self archiving by the researchers in institutional repositories is a main road towards Open Access. It is a paradox that Open Accessnow include the "Scientific article" part of the research communities, but the "Book writing "part of the scientific community is lagging behind.
To achieve the goal of knowledge as a global public good, Open Access strategy has to be institutionalized, and internalized into the culture and thinking of researches, research leaders and funding bodies.
The global research community will have to address these goals, or the rapidly increasing "Knowledge Apartheid" will not be combated.