Nordic collaboration shapes the future of open research information

Bibliometric work draws on research metadata such as publication records, citations and related indicators to provide insight into research activity and patterns. Its usefulness depends on the quality, openness and governance of the underlying data and services. This highlights the critical role of public and community‑driven infrastructures in ensuring transparency and sustainability, particularly where research information is used to support decision-making.

Discussions at the event highlighted a shared challenge across countries: how to develop interoperable and adaptable research information infrastructures that serve multiple stakeholders while aligning with national needs. Transparency and data quality were identified as key factors in ensuring that research information can be trusted and effectively used in policy-making. 

Open infrastructures and collaboration in focus

A central theme throughout the event was the role of open and community-governed infrastructures in supporting sustainable and transparent research systems. Participants explored the balance between global commercial platforms and nationally or publicly governed solutions, noting that both play a role in the evolving ecosystem.

Collaboration across the Nordic region was seen as essential. Many challenges related to research information, such as interoperability between systems of various actors, data quality and multilingual coverage, are shared across countries. Strengthening cooperation helps avoid duplication and supports the development of compatible, scalable solutions.

Automation was also discussed as an increasingly important part of managing growing volumes of research information. Participants stressed that highly automated systems must remain flexible and adaptable to different organisational and national contexts.

CSC supports sustainable open research information development

National actors play a key role in turning these shared principles into practice, and that is where CSC posits itself concerning Finland’s research information infrastructure. Through its services, CSC supports interoperability, data management and collaboration across organisations. One of the services is Research.fi, Finland’s national research information system, which compiles and disseminates information on research conducted in Finland, improving access to publications and other research outputs, funding, as well as researchers and RDI experts. The service improves the visibility and accessibility of Finnish research and is developed in close cooperation with research organisations and funders.

CSC is not only a national actor, but also active in international networks. For example, CSC is a signatory of the Barcelona Declaration on open research information, and actively contributes to national and European cooperation that promotes open research information. By operating key national services and contributing data to European infrastructures such as OpenAIRE, CSC helps make openness the norm.

CSC supports the view that open and community‑governed research information infrastructures are a prerequisite for responsible research assessment. Following the discussions at the Spring Meeting, there is an underlined importance of long-term commitment to open, interoperable and trustworthy research information infrastructures. Strengthening these foundations is seen as essential for ensuring transparent decision-making and supporting the future of research and innovation.