Copyright in the digital age: opportunities and drawbacks for scientific research

The public research system (PRS), formed by universities and research agencies, is part of the ‘culture industry’ and contributes to the creation of national wealth. The ‘digital age’ has had a strong impact on the PRS, changing methods of working, and the time and speed of interaction among people. In this new context, copyright law is often perceived as an obstacle, but, in certain cases, it can also be seen as a means of protecting authors' rights. The paper analyses copyright exceptions and limitations in the EU Directive proposal for the harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright and related rights in the Information Society. It also discusses the consequences for Italian copyright law and the new strategies and technologies that are changing ways of publishing and disseminating results. Conclusions stress the idea that the introduction of compulsory exceptions in copyright law for scientific research purposes should ensure an environment in which scientists feel free to use all works of research in any way, paying fair remuneration and, naturally, acting within the limitations of the aim pursued. This simple provision in European Union directives may help transform the present drawbacks of the legislation on copyright into an opportunity for scientific research and economic development in a harmonious, uniform way in all European countries.