Open Access Publishing Patterns 2015–2024: Global Article Output and Modal Shifts

This deposit contains data on Open Access (OA) publishing trends between 2015 and 2024, based on data retrieved from OpenAlex on May 13, 2025. The dataset focuses exclusively on journal articles and excludes other document types. Key metrics include: Total annual publication counts Absolute and relative numbers of OA articles Distribution of OA types (Gold, Hybrid, Bronze, Green, Diamond) over time Internal shares of OA types within total OA output OA type shares relative to all publications The data show a consistent rise in OA from 22% in 2015 to a peak of 59% in 2023, followed by a decline to 47% in 2024. This drop may reflect embargo-related delays and strategic shifts among publishers in response to criticism of certain OA business models. Gold and Hybrid OA remain dominant, while Diamond OA—despite its equity-oriented model—continues to represent only a small share. The dataset supports bibliometric monitoring, Open Science policy development, and educational use in scholarly communication.