Abstract
This review article analyzes the innovations, challenges, and strategies shaping the current landscape of academic publishing, using the PRISMA methodology for a systematic literature selection. The study aims to identify the transformations brought about by digital technologies, ethical and financial tensions associated with open access, and dynamics related to equity and publication impact. The results show that open access and alternative metrics have improved scientific visibility but face financial barriers and credibility issues due to the proliferation of predatory journals. Moreover, linguistic and gender inequalities persist, limiting inclusive scientific communication. From a theoretical perspective, the article underscores the importance of Merton's communism, the attention economy, and disruptive innovation to understand changes in the academic publishing system. The conclusions highlight the need to strengthen inclusive open-access policies, standardize alternative metrics, foster scientific integrity, and enhance training in scientific communication. These strategies are essential to ensure greater democratization of knowledge and maximize the social impact of scientific research.