Academic Publishing: Challenges, Reflections, and the Road Ahead

Academic publishing is a cornerstone of scholarly communication and knowledge dissemination. However, for many independent researchers and those in the Global South, it has become increasingly entangled in systemic challenges that hinder its purpose. This reflective paper critically examines multifaceted issues within contemporary academic publishing, drawing on personal experiences and broader scholarly discourse. Key concerns include predatory journals exploiting open access models without credible peer review, the pervasive "publish or perish" culture rewarding volume over scholarly value, and methodological bias favoring quantitative research over qualitative and interdisciplinary work. These dynamics collectively distort the true purpose of academic research: advancing understanding and informing practice. The paper argues for a more inclusive, ethical, and balanced publishing ecosystem. Recommendations include providing stronger institutional guidance to early-career researchers, establishing funding mechanisms for reputable open-access publishing, developing broader research evaluation criteria that go beyond citation metrics, and promoting methodological pluralism. Ultimately, the paper calls for reimagining academic publishing as a collaborative, equitable, and impact-driven endeavor that contributes to global knowledge and social progress.