Evolving with the Times: IES Journals Go Fully Digital!

In recent years, the way readers access publications has changed dramatically, as have publishing methods. Today, most articles are searched for and read online, reducing the role of traditional libraries as archives of knowledge—platforms like IEEE Xplore have largely taken their place. At the same time, authors increasingly demand shorter publication timelines, seeking minimal delays between acceptance and publication. To meet these needs, all IEEE publications now offer electronic versions, with many transitioning entirely online.

These shifts in publishing habits have contributed to a steady decline in print subscriptions. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend, as authors and readers relied more heavily on remote and digital tools. Additionally, growing concerns about climate change and resource conservation make printing and global shipping of materials, often read online anyway, increasingly unsustainable.

After a thorough analysis of these trends, the IES AdCom has decided to discontinue the print editions of our journals and transactions (TIE, TII, and JESTIE) starting in 2025, transitioning to an electronic-only format. This means that author copies will no longer be distributed. An exception is the Industrial Electronics Magazine (IEM), which, like IEEE Spectrum, will remain available in print as a membership service. For those who prefer offline browsing, IEEE Xplore offers the option to download complete issues as PDFs.

Enhanced Flexibility for Authors
Another notable update involves paper length policies. Historically, we have encouraged submissions to remain under eight pages, with overlength charges applying from the ninth page onward. However, as research evolves, many topics now require additional data to ensure transparency and reproducibility. To support this need, the limit for mandatory overlength charges has been increased from eight to ten pages. This change provides greater flexibility for authors, and we hope it will enhance your publishing experience.

We appreciate your support as we embrace these changes and continue to adapt to the needs of our authors and readers.