The SSP Fellows on the State of Scholarly Publishing: What’s Changed and What’s Next
At the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP), a group of fellows convened to discuss the latest developments in scholarly publishing. Eight experts – Glory Akwa, Ransford Asamoah, Iliana Cosme-Brooks, Haley Dittbrenner, Yamaya Jean, Chyanne Turner, Rebecca Griffiths, and Sarah Wright – shared their insights on the current state and future directions of the industry.
**AI’s Quiet Infiltration**
While AI didn’t dominate the conversation at SSP 2026, its impact is quietly seeping into various aspects of scholarly publishing. The fellows noted that AI-powered tools are being used to enhance content discovery, streamline production processes, and even improve author submissions. For instance, some publishers are employing AI-driven content analysis to better understand reader engagement and adjust their content strategies accordingly.
What this means: Expect to see more AI-infused content recommendation engines in scholarly platforms, which will help readers find relevant research more efficiently.
**Open Access and Dissemination**
Open access (OA) remains a pressing concern in scholarly publishing. The fellows highlighted ongoing debates around OA models, particularly the role of hybrid journals and the future of OA monographs. There’s also a growing emphasis on dissemination strategies, with many experts advocating for more effective ways to share research with broader audiences.
What this means: Authors and publishers should be prepared to adopt more flexible OA models, which might involve author-facing fees, institutional support, or innovative publishing partnerships.
**Diversity and Inclusion**
The SSP fellows recognized the need for greater diversity and inclusion in the scholarly publishing industry. They discussed initiatives aimed at increasing representation among authors, editors, and staff, as well as promoting cultural sensitivity in content and workflows. This includes training programs, mentorship schemes, and strategic partnerships with underrepresented institutions.
What this means: The scholarly publishing community should prioritize diversity and inclusion efforts, not only to reflect the world we live in but also to foster more innovative and impactful research.
