FAIR RDM (Research data Management): Italian initiatives towards EOSC implementation

Abstract

EOSC's vision of opening the research cycle and facilitating the collaboration of researchers will certainly lead to better quality science and in theory it is easy to share. However, its realization must be made possible through policies at national and institutional level. There is a need of creating a socio-technical infrastructure in order to improve FAIR RDM in Italy. FAIR RDM initiatives in Italy are still based on communities of practice that voluntarily carry out national awareness and training activities. The authors have investigated the perception of some leaders of FAIR RDM initiatives in Italy with respect to good practices, challenges and the strategic vision that should be sought. Findings evidence that to implement EOSC in Italy, investments and policies are needed to support the initiatives and services launched by the forerunner institutions. There is also the need of trained data stewards as competent professionals.