Session Number
5
Keywords
Open knowledge; open science; open access; diversity; COVID-19
Description
Universities are key creators of knowledge. Ensuring that research outputs are not inaccessible behind paywalls, and that research data can be interrogated and built upon is central to efforts to improve the effectiveness of global research landscapes. Mandating and promoting open science and open access (OA) for published research outputs and sharing research data are important elements of building a vibrant open knowledge system, but there are additional benefits. Supporting diversity within knowledge-making institutions; enabling collaboration between universities and communities; addressing inequalities in access to knowledge resources and opportunities for contributing to knowledge making are also important. New tools are needed to help universities, funders and communities understand the extent to which a university is operating as an effective open knowledge institution; as well as the steps that might be taken to improve open knowledge performance. The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the vital need for open research and knowledge to help find a global solution. The Curtin Open Knowledge Initiative (COKI) is a Curtin University funded strategic research project exploring ways of understanding and assessing institutional progress towards knowledge openness through analysis of research output, diversity data, policies and outcomes, and access to knowledge resources including libraries. This paper discusses the COKI team’s multidimensional approach to assessing institutional knowledge openness beyond, but including, measures of OA, open science and open data. The COKI dataset of more than 12 trillion items enables exploration and analysis of many questions around publication, impact, research performance, university engagement, diversity and access to knowledge. This information can assist universities, libraries, funders and communities to understand and enhance institutional open knowledge performance and contributions.
Included in
Universities as Open Knowledge Institutions: Sharing vital research
Universities are key creators of knowledge. Ensuring that research outputs are not inaccessible behind paywalls, and that research data can be interrogated and built upon is central to efforts to improve the effectiveness of global research landscapes. Mandating and promoting open science and open access (OA) for published research outputs and sharing research data are important elements of building a vibrant open knowledge system, but there are additional benefits. Supporting diversity within knowledge-making institutions; enabling collaboration between universities and communities; addressing inequalities in access to knowledge resources and opportunities for contributing to knowledge making are also important. New tools are needed to help universities, funders and communities understand the extent to which a university is operating as an effective open knowledge institution; as well as the steps that might be taken to improve open knowledge performance. The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the vital need for open research and knowledge to help find a global solution. The Curtin Open Knowledge Initiative (COKI) is a Curtin University funded strategic research project exploring ways of understanding and assessing institutional progress towards knowledge openness through analysis of research output, diversity data, policies and outcomes, and access to knowledge resources including libraries. This paper discusses the COKI team’s multidimensional approach to assessing institutional knowledge openness beyond, but including, measures of OA, open science and open data. The COKI dataset of more than 12 trillion items enables exploration and analysis of many questions around publication, impact, research performance, university engagement, diversity and access to knowledge. This information can assist universities, libraries, funders and communities to understand and enhance institutional open knowledge performance and contributions.