Microsoft Research Connections and UKOLN are working in partnership on an exciting new project to develop a Community Capability Model for Data-Intensive Research, building upon the principles described in The Fourth Paradigm.
The ultimate aim is to provide a framework that is useful for researchers and funders in modelling a range of disciplinary and community behaviours with respect to the adoption, usage, development and exploitation of cyber-infrastructure for data-intensive research.
During 2011-2012, the project held five workshops in the UK, the US, Sweden and Australia, refining the model at each stage with input from the community. Further consultation was held through mini case studies. The model is now described in a white paper, which sets out the motivation and purpose through the views of three priority stakeholders: funders, institutions and researchers. Eight capability factors (collaboration, skills & training, openness, technical infrastructure, common practices, economic & business, legal & ethical and research culture) are described and are visualised in the diagram below.
Work is ongoing in 2013 with a further workshop held in January and the development of interactive tools. A case statement has been submitted to the Research Data Alliance (RDA) for a working group on the Community Capability Model. [
Discussion page]