Author-Accepted Manuscript

Author-Accepted Manuscript (AAM) refers to the final version of a peer-reviewed article after revisions but before publisher formatting. According to ISO 56001 innovation management standards, AAMs are critical knowledge assets. Companies must manage these manuscripts to comply with Open Access mandates while preventing the accidental disclosure of trade secrets. Unlike the Version of Record, AAMs lack publisher branding and formatting, making them a unique asset class requiring specific handling to balance transparency with intellectual property protection. This distinction is vital for risk-adjusted innovation strategies.

Implementation involves three key steps: First, categorize AAMs by commercial sensitivity (e.g., core technology vs. general research). Second, implement a pre-upload review process to ensure no trade secrets are disclosed, aligning with the Taiwan Trade Secret Act. Third, track compliance with international Open Access policies (e.g., Tri-Agency). For example, a Taiwanese electronics firm implementing this could see a 30% reduction in trade secret-related legal risks while increasing research visibility by 50% within the first year.

Three main challenges exist: Lack of legal awareness regarding the Trade Secret Act, absence of version control systems, and competing priorities between R&D and compliance. To overcome these, enterprises should: 1. Integrate AAM review into the R&D workflow. 2. Adopt ISO 56001 documentation standards. 3. Train staff on the difference between AAM and Version of Record. A 90-day implementation plan starting with a legal audit is recommended for maximum impact.

Winners Consulting Services Co., Ltd. specializes in Author-Accepted Manuscript for Taiwan enterprises, delivering compliant management systems within 90 days. Free consultation: https://winners.com.tw/contact