Volume isn't openness: misaligned assessment and Open Science adoption in Ecuador

Area of Science:

• Research policy and scientific communication
• Bibliometrics and research assessment
• Open Science practices in Latin America

Background:

• Open Science aims to enhance research transparency, reusability, and societal value.
• Adoption of Open Science may be limited by assessment systems prioritizing journal prestige over openness.
• Understanding research assessment incentives is crucial for promoting Open Science in Ecuador.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the alignment of research assessment incentives with Open Science practices in Ecuador.
• To identify policy levers that can drive the adoption of Open Science.
• To analyze the factors influencing Open Science implementation among Ecuadorian researchers.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining policy review, bibliometric analysis (2013-2023), and a nationwide researcher survey (n ≈ 418).
• Statistical analyses included multilevel logistic models, multinomial logit, and negative binomial regressions.
• Evaluation of national and institutional policies, publication trends, and researcher-reported adoption of open practices.

Main Results:

• Ecuador's scientific output increased, with 66.7% of articles open access (predominantly gold routes).
• Despite high familiarity (85%), Open Science implementation was limited (22% data deposit, 35% gold/diamond publishing).
• Reliance on journal metrics correlated with lower open practice adoption (OR ≈ 0.72), while institutional support increased adoption (OR ≈ 1.65).

Conclusions:

• Socio-institutional factors are primary barriers to Open Science adoption in Ecuador.
• Aligning assessment rules, institutional services (repositories, data support), and responsible metrics can foster openness.
• Policy interventions focusing on support and assessment reform are needed to make Open Science the default, enhancing research quality, equity, and reuse.