Every year, academic publishing advances with the advent of technological innovations. In 2024, there are major trends that will factor into the growth of academic publishing. While it would be great to have already invested in these, it is not too late to start now.
Artificial Intelligence
The prospects of artificial intelligence (AI) in the publishing industry have been a topic of discussion for a while now. AI can perform repetitive tasks in research workflows like submission and review checks but not without human oversight. It can check citations, format manuscripts for a set style, produce summaries and content for promotional creatives, and also recognize trends and predict or recommend topics of interest.
Open Access
Open access (OA) publishing progresses beyond gold OA and into experimental business models that offer a range of options in funding and ownership. This must also be sustainable, scalable, and flexible. The shift to OA has accelerated since the pandemic, with many publishers offering OA as an option.
Accessibility
There is no escape from meeting accessibility standards. Offering publications in multiple formats, easy navigation, supporting assistive technologies, and promoting diverse authors will enhance the user experience for all.
Collaborative Research Publishing
Tackling global issues involves multidisciplinary expertise and collaborations across different fields of research. In 2024, publishers need to encourage collaborative research through OA platforms, fast dissemination of information, and coauthorship.
Micropublications
The consumption of micro content is increasing exponentially. With short summaries, articles, and multimedia, micropublications require platforms that offer optimal technological support for easy access, multiple formats, and dissemination.
Academic Books
Even though there is still a demand for printed books, eBooks are becoming more popular, as they are convenient, economical, and have enhanced search options. While publishers and libraries are still figuring out the business models and digital rights for eBooks, we have an emerging trend of audiobooks in academia. With smartphones and voice-activated devices, audiobooks enable the “reader” to multitask, although some raise concerns about the level of information retention. Both eBooks and audiobooks are great in terms of accessibility and help the content reach a larger audience.
Metrics and Marketing
There are more parameters to measure the impact of a research publication than bibliometrics or citation counts. Altmetrics provide greater details about the research impact—like real-world applications of the research; social media engagement; and the attention it gets online from researchers, publishers, funders, media, and so on. Digital marketing, through virtual tours, social media live streaming, and building an online community, maximizes exposure. Leverage data analytics and AI insights to participate in trends and optimize marketing strategies.
What to Do?
Keeping up with the emerging trends of 2024 need not be as daunting as it seems. With the right partner, like Amnet’s Nvcleus, you can employ modern technology for high-quality results. Nvcleus is a multichannel end-to-end publishing platform that can automate repetitive tasks, eliminate errors, and foster collaborative publishing. Sneak a peek into how your 2024 can be, with Nvcleus.
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