FAQ > The Compact > Why is there a need for the compact?
In short, open-access journals that charge processing fees are at a systematic disadvantage as compared to closed-access journals charging subscription fees, since the latter are subsidized by universities and funding agencies, whereas the former generally are not. To place the two on a more level playing field, universities and funding agencies should subsidize open-access processing fees, just as they do closed-access subscription fees. The compact commits universities to setting up mechanisms for underwriting such open-access journal processing fees.
If a critical mass of insitutions undertook this commitment, publishers would be more able to choose freely between the business models. Support for the compact "levels the playing field" for fee-charging open-access journals and subscription-charging closed-access journals.
More detailed background is available in this Perspective article published in the open-access journal PLoS Biology.
