Open Access Books: Delivering real impact on the SDGs

How can open access (OA) increase the real-world impact of academic books on sustainable development?

Books offer deep, nuanced insights into complex and interconnected challenges, such as those outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). When published as Open Access (OA), this vital research becomes available to scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and the broader public alike. The increased visibility and accessibility of OA books ensure that their findings and recommendations can inform real-world strategies and drive meaningful progress toward achieving the SDGs.

Explore the OA books published by Springer Nature across all 17 SDGs, and discover how you can publish your own research as an OA book to maximize its global impact.

Explore open access books related to the SDGs

"Open access books: Making SDG research impactful"

Christina M. Brian, Vice President Books, and a member of the Springer Nature SDG Steering Group, gives a detailed overview of the role open access books play in amplifying SDG research and how Springer Nature is committed to supporting the SDGs. Read her blog to find out more, including firsthand accounts from authors and editors who have published their SDG research as an open access book with Springer Nature.

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What are authors/editors saying about OA SDG books?

John A. Burt, Editor

"In just a year, our Open Access publication has garnered over 400,000 accesses. This not only increases public engagement, but supports wider recognition of the importance of international SDGs at local scales."

A Natural History of the Emirates

William J. Nuttall, Co-Author

"Open access publishing gives readers everywhere access to the latest ideas and insights. As digital communication expands, so does the global reach of the open access approach. I am pleased to have been a small part of the move towards open access scholarly book publishing."

Insights into the New Hydrogen Economy and
Perspectives on Engineering Uncertainty

Teela Sanders, Co-Editor

"Open access enables policymakers and practitioners access to vital information to address social challenges which often can affect the most marginalised of communities. Our commitment as academics to open access publications enables the research findings to reach those who are change makers."

Voicing Consent

Bernd Würsig, Dara N. Orbach, Editors

"We have seen nearly 250,000 downloads, 28 reviews and 220 altmetric citations in just two years. In marine mammalogy, such high numbers are astonishing and clearly reflect the value of publishing the book open access. We are pleased that this means students worldwide have access to the book.”

Sex in Cetaceans

Why publish a book with Springer Nature? And why publish it OA?

Writing a book is a meaningful investment of time—but the return on that investment, especially for SDG-related research—is even more meaningful. When you publish your book with Springer Nature, you will get powerful editorial support at every stage—from proposal through post-publication.

Why publish your book open access (OA)?

Because our OA academic books and chapters on average receive 10 times more downloads, 2.4 times more citations, and 10 times more online mentions compared to non-open access books.
OA books have a more geographically diverse readership, reaching on average 61% more countries than non-OA books.

Our 2024 open access (OA) report shows the growth, impact and value of our OA portfolio for authors, and provides greater transparency on how we are driving OA forwards.

Learn more about how to get started