The conference continued with the Parallel Session titled “The Social Costs and Benefits of Open Science.” Chaired by Gelsomina Catalano (CSIL), the roundtable examined key insights into the value, impact, and challenges associated with Open Science.

The session featured:

• Silvia Vignetti (CSIL) presenting a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis framework for evaluating the social costs and benefits of Open Science.

• Gelsomina Catalano (CSIL) highlighting the societal and scientific value of Open Science, drawing on lessons from the UniProt biodata resource.

• Valentina Morretta (University of Milan) providing evidence on the economic payoff of Earth Observation data, including sectoral value added and contributions to GDP growth in Italy.

• Massimo Florio (University of Milan) discussing the paradox of Open Science, in which substantial public investment frequently results in significant private benefits.

This rich discussion underscored the central role of Open Science in fostering innovation, enhancing transparency, and supporting long-term societal progress.