Research and Web 2.0: Technology, Innovation and Actor Constellations

Ponte D, Klein S

Abstract
The scientific publishing industry has witnessed a plethora of innovations across the life cycle of writing, publishing and archiving of scientific journals. Open Access is only the visible tip of an iceberg that shows new players and indeed new services and modes of publishing that have become available over the past years (which span from new review processes, online citation indexes and social media tools). One might have the impression that disruptive innovations are under way and many of the well-established themes of digital transformation - business model and service innovation, disintermediation, ProSuming, new pricing models - have a profound impact in the market of scientific journals. Nonetheless, the commercial academic publishing houses (the incumbents) so far have not only successfully defended but even extended their market position. Moreover, we observe a concentration trend among the leading publishing houses. By categorizing the innovations underway, the authors reflect on and try to explain the lasting influence of traditional publishers in the market.