The Science Europe Working Group on Research Data and the Knowledge Exchange Research Data expert group joined forces to explore how RDM/RDI are, or can be, funded. This briefing paper presents the results of the joint activity, detailing the approach and main outcomes of the study.
Responsible Research Data Management (RDM) is a pillar of quality research. In practice good RDM requires the support of a well-functioning Research Data Infrastructure (RDI). One of the challenges the research community is facing is how to fund the management of research data and the required infrastructure.
Knowledge Exchange and Science Europe have both defined activities to explore how RDM/RDI are, or can be, funded. Independently they each planned to survey users and providers of data services and on becoming aware of the similar objectives and approaches, the Science Europe Working Group on Research Data and the Knowledge Exchange Research Data expert group joined forces and devised a joint activity to to inform the discussion on the funding of RDM/RDI in Europe.
In 2014 and 2015, surveys were conducted to explore the funding and costing of Research Data Infrastructures in 22 European countries, contrasting the very heterogeneous findings with the demands of service providers and research institutions. The data collected will form the basis of further independent KE and Science Europe activities in this area, to help raise awareness of the current challenges, and subsequently to communicate opportunities for coordinated action to relevant stakeholders.
This briefing paper presents the results of the joint activity, detailing the approach and main outcomes of the study.
