Abstract

The aim of this paper is to offer a first overview of the new Italian law on Open Access (Oa) to scientific articles (art. 4 legge 112/20013). The analysis is based on some comparative remarks and policy considerations. The main argument is that formal law can be an outstanding instrument to implement the Oa principle. However, the ultimate success of Oa depends on a radical change of the norms of science, as well as on economic, organizational and educational investments.