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How do Transformative Journals differ from hybrid journals?

One of the overarching principles of Plan S is its commitment that funders do not support the hybrid model of publishing. One reason for this is the reality of double payments, where a single journal provides the publisher with a revenue stream both from full subscriptions as well as from APCs.

Another reason is that although hybrid journals were perceived as a bridge, by which publishers could move their model away from subscriptions and towards open access, the reality is that this has not happened. See cOAlition S news item ‘Why hybrid journals do not lead to full and immediate Open Access. In short, hybrid journals have demonstrably failed as a viable transitioning strategy towards full Open Access.

Transformative Journals differ considerably from hybrid journals in the following ways:

• They make an explicit commitment to transition to Open Access.
• They meet transition KPI’s (key performance indicators) year-on-year.
• They formulate explicit policies to avoid double payments.