Formation of Open Science Space in the European Union and Africa: Comparative Legal Aspect

Abstract

The paper explores the process of open science evolvement as one of the most distinct trends in scientific research in the modern world. The author notes that freedom of science has not yet received a direct confirmation in international legal sources in the field of human rights protection; still it is mentioned in the constitutions of a number of states. A comparative analysis of the issue on the European and African continents shows a significant gap. In the European Union, attempts are being made to transfer regulation to the supranational level (for example, the post of European Union Special Envoy for Open Science was established), while free access to research results in Africa is provided largely by non-governmental associations and private projects (such as SOKHA, LIREAGE, SYRAM). The history of the problems and the current state of affairs in the European Union and Africa are revealed, the features and development prospects are highlighted.