Abstract This article proposes a conceptual shift from a publication-centric academic paradigm to a "knowledge-formation" perspective. Current systems often treat formal publication as the birth of knowledge, creating significant procedural burdens and fostering siloed research environments. This work argues that knowledge should be recognized as a gradual, collaborative process that exists and evolves long before it reaches a final published state. Key Concepts: System Redesign: Moving beyond traditional gatekeeping to support early-stage idea development. Knowledge Connectivity: Enabling infrastructures that allow researchers to connect through shared conceptual development rather than just finished outputs. Strategic Re-positioning: Re-defining publication not as the starting point, but as a validation and dissemination gateway for sustained knowledge formation. Objective: By outlining design principles for next-generation knowledge repositories, this article contributes to the reform of scholarly communication, promoting Open Science and academic equity through system-level efficiency and enhanced connectivity. Keywords: Knowledge Formation, Scholarly Communication, Research Infrastructure, Open Science, Academic Equity.
Natchayapong Teerachtragoon (Sun,) studied this question.