Paving the Way for a Smarter Research Ecosystem: Insights from the Digital Innovation Group
The Digital Innovation Group (DIG), led by Linnaeus University and our Linnaeus University Centre (Lnuc) for Data Intensive Sciences and Applications (DISA) as a part of the EUniWell alliance, has conducted an in-depth mapping of the digital research infrastructure across its members — shedding light on both shared strengths and key areas for development.
Mapping the Digital Landscape
By including members who either presented the digital infrastructure of their respective home university or submitted written material, the group mapped the digital landscape. Two types of digital research and innovation infrastructures were identified as priorities for EUniWell in its efforts to create an agile and dynamic research ecosystem: Research Data Exchange Infrastructure for Innovation and Collaboration-Centric Innovation Infrastructure
Using the Value Proposition Canvas, researchers were identified as the primary users of these systems. Their perspectives were captured through targeted surveys and interactive workshops, including sessions with EUniWell AI experts and the IT Working Group.
The mapping showed the following commonalities and differences across the members:
Commonalities
- Research Data Management (RDM) supports FAIR data principles.
- Cross-disciplinary research support is widely available.
- National data services integrate with university infrastructures.
- The digital tool landscape supports various university tasks.
Differences
- National context affects infrastructure integration and legal constraints.
- RDM organization varies in structure, policies, and funding.
- Health research RDM follows distinct regulations.
- Digital infrastructure maturity differs across institutions.
- Tools and platforms used for research vary by university.
- Research focus areas influence infrastructure development.
- Open science implementation is inconsistent.
- Data storage solutions range from local to national services.
Welf Löwe, professor at the Department of Computer Science and Media Technology, has led the group and highlights the significance of their work.
What made this effort impactful was the collaborative spirit across institutions. By drawing on a variety of perspectives and aligning around shared challenges, we were able to identify real opportunities to strengthen digital research infrastructure and support researchers across the different EUniWell universities.
Designing a Collaborative Research Portal
When exploring a collaborative research portal, DIG analyzed both the data-centric and collaboration-centric perspectives. Their conclusion was clear: both are essential. They also recommended working with existing platforms that already offer robust capabilities. Notable examples include Hercules (Spain) and Open Education Platform (Nantes Université).
DIG summarized that the surveys revealed researchers value data curation, FAIR principles, and collaboration tools for consortium building. They also concluded that existing infrastructure should be reused rather than building entirely new systems and provided the following recommendations:
- Data-centric: Create a portal that references — but does not duplicate — national or university research databases.
- Collaboration-centric: Use the Hercules system for matchmaking and research support.
- Separate purposes: These two infrastructures should not be tightly integrated.
- Researchers as primary users: Design with their needs in focus.
- Engagement first: Researchers should be involved early, before solutions are developed.
Building on this, the next step is to move from mapping to action. Our focus will be on co-developing solutions with researchers, ensuring that the tools we recommend are not only technically sound but truly useful in everyday research practice, said Welf Löwe.