Promoting Access to Public Research Data for Scientific, Economic, and Social Development

Abstract

Access to and sharing of data are essential for the conduct and advancement of science. This article argues that publicly funded research data should be openly available to the maximum extent possible. To seize upon advancements of cyberinfrastructure and the explosion of data in a range of scientific disciplines, this access to and sharing of publicly funded data must be advanced within an international framework, beyond technological solutions. The authors, members of an OECD Follow-up Group, present their research findings, based closely ontheir report to OECD, on key issues in data access, as well as operating principles and management aspects necessary to successful data access regimes.

Digital methodologies and practices in children's geographies

“…Digital technologies permit dissemination of research findings in new ways and allow the storing of raw and analysed data online with yet unknown consequences. Further, funding agencies are beginning to demand that such data is made publicly available (Arzberger et al 2004;Miller, Mauthner, and Birch 2012). Practice and principles lag behind processes in addressing issues of data ownership and moral or ethical engagement with existing data and the question of whether the data are stored via 'open-access' or accessed (il)legitimately in online depositories.…”

Weather Forecasts for Pastoralism in a Changing Climate: Navigating the Data Space in North Eastern Uganda

“…This is because pastoralists have for long adapted, adopted new strategies to a variable climate (Busby et al, 2011;Kandagor, 2005;Stites and Huisman, 2010). Multiple sources of data and information on weather and climate is thus an unavoidable strategy for improving the data access among pastoraliss communities (Arzberger et al, 2004;Takizawa et al, 1978;Zimmerman, 2003). Motivation for this integration is related to the fact that traditional information is worth integrating into the forecasts and climate projections if adaptation interventions are to be meaningful.…”

“…It emerges that there is lack of direction in regard to data copyright issues, data sharing although there is voluntary cooperation amongst institutions operating in the Karamoja region. These relations are based on partnership and trust rather than principles that would streamline cost recovery and pricing of data where necessary (Arzberger et al, 2004). The public sector including government, its agencies and ministries has not streamlined access of the data it generates neither the data held by other generators that would be beneficial to all in implementing resilience work in Karamoja.…”

Approach for a joint global registration agency for research data

“…It causes unnecessary duplication of research efforts, and the verification of results becomes difficult, if not impossible [5]. Large amounts of research funds are spent every year to re-create already existing data [2].…”