The new report Small European publishers and the transition to open access publishing: a 2025 snapshot highlights the threat of structural inequities of scale in the transition to OA due to administrative burdens, library negotiations, and prestige dynamics causing a disadvantage for smaller publishers.

The report by Knowledge Exchange argues that without systemic reform, Europe risks losing vital elements of bibliodiversity, particularly in the humanities, social sciences, and regional and non-English-language publishing.

For trade associations and the wider publishing community, the strategic takeaway is that there are market fairness and sustainability issues. Ensuring proportionate regulation, equitable funding flows, shared infrastructure, and recognition for quality small publishers will be critical to maintaining a diverse and competitive scholarly ecosystem.