A descriptive analysis of research data management practices in European educational institutions

Abstract

Research data management (RDM) is essential as data not only ensures the integrity of research, but can also be a valuable asset for institutions. In addition, collecting and creating data requires considerable resources that could be saved through data reuse. External pressure to improve data management is also growing all the time.

In this thesis, the RDM practices of educational institutions will be examined through qualitative research. Using the theory built with previous literature, the level of data management – including data sharing – is assessed. This study attempts to answer what level of RDM can be found in European educational institutions, and how they encourage researchers to share their data.

The findings reveal that while some institutions have already introduced or are currently developing all-encompassing RDM practices, most are still far behind and very lacking. On a positive note, institutions have realized the need for improvement presented in literature. However, many are taking only the early steps now. Similarities to previous literature were found, for instance, in the absence of adequate storage solutions both during and after research. In addition, data sharing is still not happening at the institutions regularly – and no simple ways for encouragement were found. A major reason was the lacking level of data management; the findings suggest that data reuse requires establishing proper RDM first.

As a contribution to previous research, this study provides a framework for analyzing the level of RDM at institutions. It can be used as a helping tool to establish institutional RDM practices as well as to find aspects that still need attention. It takes the first steps in providing a sound framework for research data management. Consequently, verifying and expanding the framework is the most important direction for further research.