OpenDraft is an open source AI research draft generator that uses 19 specialized AI agents to create academic paper drafts with verified citations. It searches real academic databases (Semantic Scholar, CrossRef, arXiv) and produces properly formatted papers.

How does the multi-agent system work?

OpenDraft uses 19 specialized AI agents working in sequence: Planner agents break down topics, Scout agents search academic databases, Signal agents evaluate paper relevance, Scribe agents write content, and Architect agents structure and format the output. This separation of concerns ensures each task is handled by a purpose-built agent.

Are the citations verified?

Yes, all citations are verified against real academic databases including Semantic Scholar (200M+ papers), CrossRef, and arXiv. Each source includes DOI links for independent verification. Unlike ChatGPT, OpenDraft cannot hallucinate citations because they come directly from database queries.

Yes, OpenDraft is 100% free and open source under the MIT license. You only pay for AI API usage (OpenAI or Google), which typically costs $2-5 per research draft. There are no subscription fees or usage limits.

How long does it take to generate a paper?

Generation time depends on complexity: research papers take about 10 minutes, bachelor's thesis drafts about 12 minutes, master's thesis drafts about 15 minutes, and PhD dissertation drafts about 20 minutes.

How does OpenDraft compare to ChatGPT for research?

ChatGPT frequently hallucinates academic citations (30-50% of generated citations are fabricated). OpenDraft's architecture makes this impossible because citations come from real database queries, not AI generation. OpenDraft is purpose-built for academic research with verified citations.

Can I submit OpenDraft papers as my own work?

OpenDraft generates drafts to help start your research. The output should be reviewed, fact-checked, edited in your own voice, enhanced with your original analysis, and used according to your institution's AI policy. Always check your university's guidelines on AI-assisted writing.

Does OpenDraft store my data?

No. OpenDraft runs entirely on your computer when self-hosted. Your research topics, generated papers, and API keys are never sent to external servers. You maintain complete control over your data and research.

What export formats does OpenDraft support?

OpenDraft exports to PDF, Word (.docx), and LaTeX formats. All exports include properly formatted citations in your chosen style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).

Is OpenDraft suitable for PhD dissertations?

Yes, OpenDraft is designed to handle dissertation-length literature reviews and research drafts. The multi-agent system can process complex topics and generate extensive drafts with comprehensive citations from 200M+ academic papers.

Why is OpenDraft open source?

OpenDraft is open source (MIT license) for transparency, academic integrity, and customization. You can inspect exactly how citations are verified, how agents work, and modify the code for your needs. This matters for academic work where you need to explain your tools.

What databases does OpenDraft use for citations?

OpenDraft searches Semantic Scholar (200M+ papers), CrossRef (130M+ DOIs), and arXiv (2M+ preprints). This covers virtually all peer-reviewed academic literature across all disciplines.

How do I get started with OpenDraft?

Setup takes about 10 minutes: install Docker, clone the repository, add your OpenAI API key, and run the application. Detailed instructions are available in the GitHub repository's Quick Start guide.

Can I use OpenDraft for literature reviews?

Yes, literature reviews are one of OpenDraft's primary use cases. The multi-agent system excels at finding relevant papers, synthesizing findings, and creating comprehensive literature review drafts with verified citations.

Will my paper be flagged as AI-generated?

AI detection tools vary in accuracy. We recommend using OpenDraft as a starting point, then substantially editing the content in your own voice. OpenDraft generates drafts, not finished papers—your editing and original analysis are essential.

What AI models does OpenDraft use?

OpenDraft supports multiple AI providers including OpenAI (GPT-4), Google (Gemini), and Anthropic (Claude). You can choose based on your preference and API access. The multi-agent architecture works across all supported models.

OpenDraft AI

AI-Generated Draft

January 18, 2025

32 min read

Example

Example Draft: Polish Firms and EU Structural Funds - Lobbying, Consultants, and Networking Strategies

This is a research paper generated by OpenDraft

This research paper was generated in 16.5 minutes with verified academic citations from CrossRef and Semantic Scholar. No hallucinated references.

Generation Statistics

16.5

Minutes

25+

Citations

~9K

Words

140KB

PDF Size

Download Draft

Download the complete draft in PDF or DOCX format:

Download PDF Download DOCX

Research Question

What strategies do successful Polish firms use to access EU structural funds? How do lobbying, consulting services, and business networking influence fund acquisition outcomes?

This research examines the strategic approaches employed by Polish enterprises to successfully navigate the EU structural funds application process, with particular attention to the role of political connections, professional consulting, and inter-firm networks.

Abstract

Since Poland's accession to the European Union in 2004, EU structural funds have become a crucial source of financing for Polish enterprises seeking modernization and growth. However, access to these funds is not uniformly distributed, and firms employ various strategies to improve their chances of successful applications.

This study investigates three primary mechanisms through which Polish firms enhance their EU fund acquisition: lobbying activities targeting regional and national authorities, engagement of specialized consulting firms, and leveraging business network connections. The analysis reveals significant heterogeneity in strategy effectiveness across firm sizes and sectors.

Key Topics Covered

EU Cohesion Policy Context

Structural Funds Overview - ERDF, ESF, and Cohesion Fund mechanisms
Poland's Allocation - Largest recipient of EU cohesion funding
Regional Disparities - East-West development gaps
Programming Periods - Evolution from 2004-2006 to 2021-2027

Access Strategies

Lobbying - Business-government relations in fund allocation
Consulting Services - Professional grant writers and EU fund specialists
Business Networks - Industry associations and regional clusters
Political Connections - Role of local government relationships

Institutional Factors

Administrative Capacity - Regional implementation agencies
Rent-Seeking Behavior - Corruption and favoritism risks
SME vs Large Enterprise - Differential access patterns

Citation Sample

All citations in this thesis are verified against academic databases. Here are some examples:

Rival, M., et al. (2012). Are firms' lobbying strategies universal? Comparison of lobbying by French and UK firms. Journal of Strategy and Management.
Wojarska, M., et al. (2018). Absorption of EU funds in the context of institutional capacity. Crossref.
Katsaitis, O., et al. (2008). The Impact of EU Structural Funds on FDI. KYKLOS.
Eckhardt, J., et al. (2018). Business-government relations in EU trade politics. European Political Science Review.

Note on Political Economy Research

This example demonstrates OpenDraft's capability to generate research on EU policy, business-government relations, and regional development topics. The paper integrates institutional economics, public policy, and strategic management perspectives.

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