Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI
Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI

Project

Evaluation of Data Management Plans in FTI Projects (Eval DMP)

The European Union and many of its member countries have set the goal of promoting the use and reuse of research data in the spirit of Open Science. The Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) has also paid special attention to the themes of transparency and use of research data in some of its funding programmes in recent years. Guidelines for calls for proposals include references to data management plans as recommendations.

Since 2020 and 2022, respectively, a data management plan (DMP) is mandatory for projects in the programmes related to ICT / Digital Key Technologies and Mobility. In parallel, the FFG established a service of Data Stewards to support projects in the creation of DMPs. The aim of the study is particularly to highlight the benefits of DMPs for the funded projects.

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The aim of the present study was to evaluate:

  • What benefits arise from the obligation to create a DMP, especially for the funded project, the recipients, and the funded organizations?
  • How is the support from the Data Stewards and the FFG assistance perceived by the recipients?
  • Does the DMP of the FFG projects contribute to the following goals:
    • Raising awareness on data management in the research project
    • Improved internal data management during the research process
    • Enhanced utilization of data, especially through the publication of research datasets generated in the project
    • Creating transparency about the data used and generated in the project

  • Quantitative text analysis of the data management plans based on manual coding
  • Qualitative evaluation of all DMPs
  • Interviews with Data Stewards, 22 recipients, programme managers, and information specialists from the Fraunhofer Society

The study concludes that the current obligation to create a DMP in FFG funded project does not provide any added value. The complete analysis, conclusion and recommendations for action will be available on the website (currently under construction).

Duration

4.2025-9.2025

Clients

Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft FFG

Partners

Inspire research mbH – Anton Geyer

Website

currently under construction