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Key Impact Pathways in Open Science

Understanding how Open Science creates impact

Open Science is transforming the way research is conducted, shared, and valued, but understanding how it creates impact requires a clear framework. That’s where the Key Impact Pathways (KIPs) come in. They help trace the routes through which Open Science practices - from open access and open data to citizen science and participatory research - generate academic, societal, and economic benefits.

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About the PathOS Key Impact Pathways report

The PathOS Key Impact Pathways Report identifies and illustrates six major pathways showing how Open Science practices lead to measurable outcomes. This updated edition builds on earlier work, refining the approach and enriching each pathway with contextual insights, limitations, and potential indicators from the PathOS Open Science Indicator Handbook.PathOS Open Science Indicator Handbook. The report highlights how different Open Science practices can lead to shared benefits - from efficiency gains and cost savings to broader participation and knowledge exchange. It also discusses the importance of addressing challenges like limited data and bias in assessing impact.

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