The International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers (STM) is a key lobbying entity in the European Union representing the interests of scientific, technical, and medical publishing communities. Established to serve as a platform for exchanging ideas and information, STM advocates on behalf of publishers concerning copyright, technological advancements, and relations with end users and libraries. The association plays a crucial role in ensuring that the dissemination of research outputs in these fields is facilitated effectively, supporting both authors and publishers.
STM’s lobbying efforts are concentrated on a variety of significant EU policy areas. These include the e-commerce Directive, the implementation and enforcement of copyright rules, Horizon Europe research initiatives, Open Science and Open Access policies, and matters related to Artificial Intelligence. Through its advocacy, STM seeks to influence legislation and policy frameworks to enhance access to scientific information while protecting intellectual property rights and adapting to technological shifts in media.
Formed with an intention to collaborate with other stakeholders, STM works alongside the International Publishers Association (IPA), national publishers’ associations, and various governmental and professional bodies at both national and international levels. This collaborative approach helps STM in harmonizing the scientific publishing industry’s stance within the broader regulatory landscape of the EU.
Since its registration on 8 October 2009 in the EU Transparency Register (registration number 98356852465-08), STM has steadily contributed to EU policymaking through active participation and lobbying presence. The association has reported spending €75,000 on lobbying activities in 2019, with a declared full-time equivalent (FTE) of 1.25 lobbyists. These resources have translated into substantial engagement, with STM having held 29 meetings with high-level EU Commission representatives to represent its interests.
The head office of STM is located in the United Kingdom at Prama House, Banburry Road, Summertown, Oxford (OX2 7HT). Over the years, STM has strategically networked with various affiliated organizations in the publishing, technological, and scientific fields to broaden its influence and effectiveness across the EU landscape. The association’s concentrated efforts ensure it remains a significant actor in the discussion of policies impacting scientific communication and innovation dissemination in Europe
