This paper proposes an Ontology-Based Data Management (OBDM) approach to coordinate, integrate and maintain the data needed for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy development. The OBDM approach is a form of integration of information in which the global schema of data is substituted by the conceptual model of the domain, formally specified through an ontology. Implemented in Sapientia, the ontology of multi-dimensional research assessment, it offers a transparent platform as the base for the assessment process; it enables one to define and specify in an unambiguous way the indicators on which the evaluation is based, and to track their evolution over time; also it allows to the analysis of the effects of the actual use of the indicators on the behavior of scholars, and spot opportunistic behaviors; and it provides a monitoring system to track over time the changes in the established evaluation criteria and their consequences for the research system. It is argued that easier access to and a more transparent view of scientific-scholarly outcomes help to improve the understanding of basic science and the communication of research outcomes to the wider public. An OBDM approach could successfully contribute to solve some of the key issues in the integration of heterogeneous data for STI policies

We illustrate the usefulness of an Ontology Based Data Management (OBDM) approach to develop an open information system, allowing for a deep level of interoperability among different databases, and accounting for additional dimensions of data quality compared to the standard dimensions of the OECD (2011) Quality Framework. Recent advances in engineering in computer science provide promising tools to solve some of the crucial issues in data integration for Research and Innovation (R&I).

Abstract. In this paper we present IBIS (Internet-Based Information System), a system for the semantic integration of heterogeneous data sources, which adopts innovative and state-of-the-art solutions to deal with all aspects of a complex data-integration environment, including query answering under integrity constraints and limitations on source access. IBIS is based on the global-as-view approach, using a relational mediated schema to query the data at the sources. Sources are wrapped so as to provide a relational view on them. A key issue is that the system allows the specification of integrity constraints (modeling constraints in the domain of interest) in the global schema. Since sources are autonomous, the extracted data in general do not satisfy the constraints. IBIS adapts and integrates the data extracted from the sources making use of the constraints in the global schema, so as to answer queries at best with the information available. IBIS deals with limitations in accessing data sources, and exploits techniques developed for querying sources with access limitations in order to retrieve the maximum set of answers. In particular, it may use integrity constraints available on the sources to improve the efficiency of the extraction process.

In this paper, we present and discuss a novel architectural approach supporting the integration among legacy information systems of autonomous organizations. It is based on the use of a data warehouse in a new conceptual role. Namely, we propose to use it, during the design and implementation phases of a cooperative information system, as a tool supporting the coherence maintenance of the underlying databases and the efficient management of accesses to them. Our approach is rooted in the SICC project for cadastral data exchange among Italian Municipalities, Ministry of Finance, Notaries, and Certified Land Surveyors. Research results reported here are an abstraction of solutions introduced in the SICC project and validated through the development of various inter-organization cooperative information systems, managed by the "Coordinamento dei Progetti Intersettoriali" of AIPA, the Italian Authority for Information Technology in Public Administration.

In this paper we present and discuss a novel architectural approach supporting the integration among legacy information systems of autonomous organizations. It is based on the use of a data warehouse in a new conceptual role. Namely, we propose to use it during design and implementation of a cooperative information system as a tool supporting the coherence maintenance of the underlying databases and the efficient management of accesses to them. Our approach is rooted in the SICC project for cadastral data exchange among italian Municipalities, Ministry of Finance, Notaries and Certified Land Surveyors. Research results reported here are an abstraction of solutions introduced in the SICC project and validated through a number of inter-organization cooperative information systems projects managed by the "Coordinamento dei Progetti Intersettoriali" of AIPA, the Italian Authority for Information Technology in Public Administration.