Research practices, evaluation and infrastructure in the digital environment

Abstract

This paper examines changing research practices in the digital environment and draws out implications for research evaluation and the development of research infrastructure. Reviews of the literature, quantitative indicators of research activities and our own field research in Australia suggest that a new mode of knowledge production is emerging, changing research practices and bringing new information access and dissemination needs. Adjustments will be required to accommodate these changes. New opportunities are emerging for more appropriate, cost-effective and sustainable information access and dissemination, but to realise these opportunities it will be necessary to take a more holistic approach to the scholarly communications system and focus greater attention on the structure of incentives operating within it. © 2004, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.