Research data management and openness

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between research data management (RDM) and data sharing in the formulation of RDM policies and development of practices in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Design/methodology/approach – Two strands of work were undertaken sequentially: first, content analysis of 37 RDM policies from UK HEIs; and second, two detailed case studies of institutions with different approaches to RDM based on semi-structured interviews with staff involved in the development of RDM policy and services. The data are interpreted using insights from Actor Network Theory. Findings – RDM policy formation and service development has created a complex set of networks within and beyond institutions involving different professional groups with widely varying priorities shaping activities. Data sharing is considered an important activity in the policies and services of HEIs studied, but its prominence can in most cases be attributed to the positions adopted by large research funders. Research limitations/implications – The case studies, as research based on qualitative data, cannot be assumed to be universally applicable but do illustrate a variety of issues and challenges experienced more generally, particularly in the UK. Practical implications – The research may help to inform development of policy and practice in RDM in HEIs and funder organisations. Originality/value – This paper makes an early contribution to the RDM literature on the specific topic of the relationship between RDM policy and services, and openness – a topic which to date has received limited attention.

Research Data: Management and Opening. Polish and European Perspectives

“…Obviously, it may also facilitate setting a standard of data openness (and thus, the possibility of sharing) or confidentiality, and to define the period and conditions of data preservation after the research is completed (see e.g. Buddenbohm et al, 2016;Carlson et al, 2011;Higman & Pinfield, 2015). However, without a solid legal national policy DMP itself will not ensure open science.…”

Data Sharing in the High-throughput University - Mobility and Precarity

“…Like industry, academia is increasingly keen on extracting value from the vast amounts of (digital) research data it holds (Borgman, 2012;Leonelli, 2016). Research institutions are expected to implement high-level policies governing research data management (RDM) (Higman and Pinfield, 2015). Formal data archiving and curation processes have been central to certain fields -survey-based social science, climate science, biology -for a long time (Mayernik, 2019).…”

Gestión de datos de investigación y bibliotecas: preservando los nuevos bienes científicos

“…Si bien la responsabilidad por la gestión de datos recae en primera instancia en los investigadores, resulta necesario que las instituciones ofrezcan el apoyo necesario para adaptarse a los nuevos requisitos con respecto a la gestión de datos. Por ello, se demanda la creación de infraestructuras y servicios específicos, lo que impulsa a optimizar los procesos, procedimientos y servicios institucionales en función de esta meta (Perrier y Barnes, 2018;Amorim et al, 2017;Higman y Pinfield, 2015).…”