Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. RELX Group (Elsevier)
- 2. Springer Nature
- 3. Wiley (John Wiley & Sons)
- 4. Taylor & Francis (Informa PLC)
- 5. SAGE Publishing
- 6. Oxford University Press (OUP)
- 7. Cambridge University Press & Assessment
- 8. American Chemical Society (ACS Publications)
- 9. IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
- 10. Nature America (now part of Springer Nature, but still distinct)
- Conclusion
Introduction
Academic publishing is undergoing a remarkable transformation in 2025. From digitization and open access models to the consolidation of publishing giants, the landscape continues to shift in ways that affect researchers, librarians, educators, and students alike. Despite challenges brought on by technological disruption and changing academic behaviors, a handful of large academic publishers have maintained—or even strengthened—their influence in the global knowledge economy. These major players dominate the dissemination of scholarly research and educational content, shaping what gets published and how knowledge is shared.
Understanding who these publishers are, how they operate, and what they control is essential for anyone involved in academia. For a researcher submitting to a journal, a librarian negotiating access, or a policymaker concerned about information equity, the reach and scale of these organizations cannot be ignored. This article examines the ten largest academic publishers in the world in 2025, using a mix of revenue figures, publication output, global footprint, and strategic influence to determine their rank and relevance.
1. RELX Group (Elsevier)
RELX Group, the parent company of Elsevier, arguably the most well-known academic publisher in the world, continues to hold the top position in 2025. Elsevier controls thousands of journals across a wide range of disciplines and continues to play a critical role in scholarly publishing, particularly in the sciences, technology, and medicine. The company’s flagship platform, ScienceDirect, remains a dominant force in online academic distribution.
Elsevier’s business model remains controversial but effective. The company has faced criticism for its high subscription prices and paywalls, yet it has adapted well to the open access movement. Through initiatives like Elsevier’s Open Access Journals and the acquisition of smaller open-access platforms, RELX continues to expand its footprint in a way that secures long-term dominance. Despite mounting pressure from governments and research institutions to reform scholarly publishing, Elsevier’s revenues remain robust, estimated at over $3 billion in 2025.
2. Springer Nature
Springer Nature holds a firm second place in the global academic publishing market. The merger between Springer Science+Business Media and Nature Publishing Group created a powerhouse that continues to define research excellence in the natural sciences, engineering, and medical fields. The group publishes some of the most prestigious journals in the world, including Nature, Scientific Reports, and the Nature Reviews series.
In 2025, Springer Nature’s pivot toward open access publishing has gained serious traction. With its hybrid models and dedicated open access journals, the publisher has broadened its reach in the academic world while maintaining profitability. Its SpringerLink platform and collaborative research initiatives have positioned it as a favorite among European institutions. The company’s commitment to innovation is also visible in its AI-assisted peer review tools and integrated data sharing systems, making it not just large but also forward-thinking.
3. Wiley (John Wiley & Sons)
Wiley continues to be a significant player in academic publishing, particularly known for its emphasis on professional and academic content in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. In recent years, Wiley has strategically expanded its open access footprint while investing heavily in digital learning and corporate training platforms, such as WileyPLUS.
The company’s strength lies in its balance between journal publishing and educational content. Wiley publishes more than 1,700 academic journals and has inked numerous transformative agreements with institutions around the world to support open access publishing. Its partnerships with universities and research consortia have positioned it as a collaborative and adaptable force in an increasingly competitive market. With revenue surpassing $2 billion in 2025, Wiley’s consistent growth is a testament to its diversified and agile approach.
4. Taylor & Francis (Informa PLC)
Taylor & Francis, part of the Informa Group, has carved out a unique niche by being a major player in the humanities and social sciences, while also holding a strong presence in STEM publishing. The publisher is known for its expansive journal portfolio, which includes titles like Critical Reviews in Biotechnology and Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies.
In 2025, Taylor & Francis has continued to push into digital-first publishing, enhancing its author services and citation analytics to compete with larger rivals. Its Routledge imprint remains a respected brand in the social sciences and arts. While it may not be as large as Elsevier or Springer Nature in terms of revenue, its influence across a broader set of disciplines gives it staying power. Strategic acquisitions of smaller academic publishers and OA platforms have also helped it expand rapidly over the last five years.
5. SAGE Publishing
SAGE Publishing, a fiercely independent academic publisher, stands out for its stronghold in the social sciences, education, and health disciplines. Headquartered in California and London, SAGE continues to emphasize mission-driven publishing with a strong focus on equity, access, and scholarly integrity. Its portfolio includes more than 1,000 journals and thousands of books.
While SAGE is smaller in scale compared to the top four, it punches well above its weight in terms of academic influence. In 2025, it continues to serve the needs of academic societies and educational institutions with tools and platforms like SAGE Research Methods and SAGE Campus. The publisher’s transparent pricing models, support for early-career researchers, and dedication to open scholarship have earned it a loyal following. Its continued independence is also a breath of fresh air in a field dominated by corporate consolidation.
6. Oxford University Press (OUP)
Oxford University Press, the publishing arm of the University of Oxford, is one of the oldest and most prestigious academic publishers in the world. Despite being a university press, OUP competes directly with commercial giants in terms of both output and influence. Its publishing program spans journals, academic monographs, educational texts, dictionaries, and digital resources.
In 2025, OUP continues to lead the charge in open access publishing among university presses. Its robust journal program covers law, medicine, humanities, and the social sciences, while its digital platforms—such as Oxford Academic and Oxford Scholarship Online—have expanded its global reach. OUP’s focus on scholarly rigor and high editorial standards makes it a trusted name in academic circles worldwide.
7. Cambridge University Press & Assessment
Following the merger of Cambridge University Press and Cambridge Assessment in 2021, this new entity has become a major force in global education and academic publishing. As the world’s oldest publisher, Cambridge University Press is known for its strong output in the humanities and social sciences, as well as for its leading position in English language teaching and academic assessment tools.
In 2025, the integrated publishing-assessment model continues to bear fruit. The publisher’s open access initiatives, including “Read & Publish” agreements, have positioned it as an innovator among university presses. Its emphasis on educational impact and scholarly contribution helps distinguish its publishing program from commercial competitors. With a rising international footprint, especially in Asia and Africa, Cambridge is not just surviving—it’s thriving.
8. American Chemical Society (ACS Publications)
ACS Publications, the publishing division of the American Chemical Society, has built an exceptional reputation in scientific publishing, especially in chemistry and related fields. The organization’s journals are widely cited, with titles like Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS) and ACS Nano considered top-tier.
While it operates under a non-profit model, ACS Publications generates substantial revenue—well over half a billion dollars in 2025—mostly through journal subscriptions and open access fees. Its strong focus on community building, education, and ethical publishing has made it a respected player globally. ACS’s embrace of Plan S principles and open science initiatives demonstrates a nimble adaptation to evolving scholarly demands.
9. IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
The IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization, and its publishing arm—IEEE Xplore—is indispensable for researchers in electrical engineering, computer science, and related disciplines. With more than 5 million documents in its database and over 200 journals and magazines, IEEE is a cornerstone of STEM research dissemination.
In 2025, IEEE continues to dominate technical publishing, especially in areas like AI, robotics, signal processing, and data science. Despite concerns over subscription costs, the organization has started adopting more open access options, including gold open access journals and author-choice models. Its conference proceedings and standards publications also add to its clout in academia and industry alike.
10. Nature America (now part of Springer Nature, but still distinct)
Although technically under the Springer Nature umbrella, Nature America deserves a mention. It operates semi-autonomously and publishes some of the most impactful journals in the scientific community. Nature, Nature Medicine, and Nature Genetics are names that carry immense prestige and global influence.
Nature America’s editorial independence, rigorous peer review, and focus on high-impact science ensure its continued prominence. In 2025, its expansion into interdisciplinary science and increased OA offerings have broadened its appeal. Its selective publishing model keeps acceptance rates low, but that exclusivity is exactly what enhances its academic prestige. The brand power of “Nature” remains unparalleled in the academic world.
Conclusion
The world of academic publishing in 2025 is both consolidated and diversified. While a few large players dominate the market in terms of output, revenue, and global reach, the ecosystem also includes mission-driven university presses and professional societies that bring essential balance to the field. Publishers like Elsevier, Springer Nature, and Wiley continue to lead in size and technological investment, while SAGE, Oxford University Press, and Cambridge University Press offer models of ethical and academically focused publishing.
The challenges ahead are substantial: evolving business models, open science mandates, AI integration, and the push for greater equity in knowledge dissemination. Yet the biggest publishers are not standing still. Most are actively experimenting with open access, data transparency, and platform development, suggesting that size does not necessarily preclude innovation.
For authors, librarians, and institutions, knowing who the major players are—and how they operate—is critical for navigating the evolving scholarly communication ecosystem. These publishers will continue to shape academic discourse, influence research priorities, and redefine how knowledge flows across borders and disciplines. Staying informed about their strategies and structures is not just useful; it’s essential.