ONOS: A Catalyst for Change or A Hindrance to Innovation in Indian Academia?

The Indian government’s ambitious “One Nation, One Subscription” (ONOS) scheme aims to revolutionize academic research in India by providing nationwide access to a vast array of international scholarly journals. This initiative holds immense potential to democratize knowledge, stimulate innovation, and reduce financial burdens on institutions. By providing equitable access to high-quality research, ONOS can empower researchers from diverse backgrounds and institutions. For instance, a young researcher at a small college in a remote area can now access the same cutting-edge research as their counterparts at premier institutions.[1] Exposure to global research trends can foster innovation and creativity, leading to groundbreaking discoveries. By staying updated with the latest advancements, Indian researchers can contribute to solving global challenges.[2] Centralized subscription models can significantly reduce costs for individual institutions, especially smaller colleges and universities.[3] This allows institutions to allocate more funds to other critical areas like faculty development, infrastructure, and student scholarships. Increased access to international research can foster collaborations with foreign scholars, leading to joint research projects and publications. This can elevate India’s global research profile and attract international talent.[4,5] However, the ONOS scheme also presents challenges. A one-size-fits-all approach may not meet the diverse needs of researchers across various disciplines.[6] Additionally, unrestricted access to a vast number of journals can lead to information overload, hindering effective research.[6] The centralized subscription model may negatively impact the revenue of publishers, potentially leading to reduced quality and frequency of publications. It may also disincentivize the adoption of open-access models.[7] To fully realize the potential of ONOS, a multi-faceted approach is required.[8] This includes tailoring access to specific journals, implementing comprehensive training programs, encouraging the adoption of open-access models, investing in robust digital infrastructure, and fostering partnerships with publishers. By addressing these challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities, India can position itself as a global leader in academic research. Data availability statement Not applicable. Author contribution Conceptualization of the study by Benod Kumar Kondapavuluri, writing original draft and editing done by Benod Kumar Kondapavuluri and Shahzad Mirza. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.