Sustainable and Collaborative Research Information for Bibliodiverse Ecosystems: A Transnational Study

Introduction

This project aims to understand the conceptualisation of ‘open’ in the open access movement and the development of open research infrastructure from a transnational perspective by identifying boundaries and constraints that hinder the growth of bibliodiversity in three different geographical regions.

Objectives

Its objectives are to shed light on an overlooked research area in knowledge production:

1. The relationship between standards, geopolitics, and transnational knowledge flows.
2. Examining the antithesis of openness: boundaries, censorship, and regulations that enforce closures and blockades.

Work Packages

WP1: Conceptual and Methodological Dimensions

WP1 explores and develops the conceptual and methodological dimensions in understanding openness and related concepts, as well as methodological approaches regarding knowledge flows and information boundaries.

WP2: Open Research Infrastructure

WP2 examines the inception and development of open research infrastructure, specifically SciELO and African Journal Online (AJOL), both of which have distinct characteristics and follow different timelines and trajectories.

WP3: Current Development in Europe

WP3 investigates the current development of open research infrastructure in Europe, with a specific focus on standards and standardisation and their potential implications on regionalism, internationalism, and globalisation.

Methodology

Following the practices of laboratory studies, the study will gain in-depth understanding through rich description and co-construction of meanings in the research process.

Conclusion

In sum, the project will provide novel theoretical and methodological perspectives and unique empirical findings that understand the global inequities of knowledge production, with the ultimate goal of fostering sustainable, collaborative, equitable, and bibliodiverse research ecosystems.