In an era where scientific credibility is increasingly challenged, a bold proposal emerges to transform academic publishing through rigorous external regulation — drawing inspiration from safety standards in healthcare, aviation, and research laboratories.

Just as hospitals, airlines, and drug manufacturers are subject to stringent external inspections, academic journals currently lack comprehensive independent oversight. Experts argue that this oversight gap leaves scientific literature vulnerable to integrity issues, from delayed corrections to the rising tide of artificially generated manuscripts.

The proposed solution is straightforward yet revolutionary: implement ISO 9001, an internationally recognized quality management standard that would require journals to demonstrate systematic, evidence-based operational practices. Currently embraced by one million organizations across 180 countries, this standard could dramatically elevate publishing transparency and accountability.

By adopting ISO 9001, academic journals would shift from primarily meeting author expectations to prioritizing reader needs. This transformation could yield tangible benefits: faster corrections, higher-quality publications, and more value for subscription and article processing charges. The standard would compel journals to embrace continuous improvement and customer-focused approaches.

Existing regulatory frameworks like the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) provide some guidance, but enforcement remains inconsistent. Journal indexing services can remove publications that fail quality criteria, yet the reasons for such actions are often opaque. The proposed ISO 9001 certification would introduce clearer, more standardized evaluation mechanisms.

The timing couldn't be more critical. With artificial intelligence generating an increasing volume of scientific manuscripts and 'paper-mill' businesses selling authorships, independent verification has never been more essential. External regulation would serve as a robust filter, helping maintain the integrity of scientific communication.

Ultimately, this approach isn't about punishment, but about elevating scientific discourse. By implementing robust, transparent quality standards, the academic publishing ecosystem can rebuild trust, ensure rigorous peer review, and reaffirm science's fundamental commitment to knowledge advancement.