From ‘publish or perish’ to ‘publish for purpose’

Abstract

Pressures to publish prolifically have led to an abundance of research on trivial matters rather than on issues of significance. This trend is particularly pronounced in developing countries, where limited access to paid content has fueled the growth of open-access publications. Additionally, the prevailing “publish or perish” culture has encouraged the pursuit of inconsequential and conformist research. The scholarly integrity of academic institutions is eroded when they struggle with evaluating research impact through metrics, potentially overlooking substantive contribution. The emergence of AI technology adds a fresh dimension to the issue, creating new possibilities for mass output rather than work that is innovative or informed by social values and priorities. This commentary serves as a call to action for scholars, institutions, and policymakers collectively to reshape the trajectory of academic publishing, restoring its sense of purpose through making lasting contributions to the betterment of society.