Open research and sharing

This is based on fundamental research ethics norms, and is important for ensuring a high quality of research and society's confidence in the research and research results. In principle, the concept of open science encompasses the entire research process
from start-up via funding and implementation of the research through data management, analysis, scholarly publication, scientific synthesis and communication activities.

Where can you find information on national regulations and principles for openess and sharing?

The white paper Meld. St. 22 (2020–2021) Data som ressurs - Datadrevet økonomi establishes national data policy in Norway, and in the Long-Term Plan for Research and Higher Education (Report No 5 to the Storting (2022–2023), Chapter 8 Open research and the value of data, the Government states that, in order to realise the objectives of the long-term plan, greater openness and more data sharing in research is needed. The report Med lov skal data deles from the Viderebruksutvalget (2024) focuses on how data in the public sector can be shared to a greater extent.

The Research Council published the report How should we share research data? Report and recommendations relating to licensing and making research data available (2021). The Research Council's regulations and guidelines regarding open research and sharing of research data can be found on the Research Council's webpage Sharing Research Data and Policy for Open Science. Other useful information on open research can be found on the website openscience.no/en.

The principle of "as open as possible, as closed as necessary" has gained relevance in today’s geopolitical situation. With increasing digitalization and globalization, it is more important than ever to protect research results, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure that sensitive information does not fall into the wrong hands. The EU's security package emphasizes finding a balance between openness and security, and, as pointed out in the report A Comprehensive Research System for Open, Protected, and Classified Research (2024) (in Norwegian only), there is a need for systems of training, guidance, and procedures that are institutionally anchored. The EU Council's recommendation on strengthening research security from 2024 provides important overarching advice.

The international FAIR principles (in Norwegian) have been formulated as a set of guidelines for the reuse of research data. FAIR is an acronym for Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable. It is possible to limit the sharing of data during a project, and yet remain true to the FAIR principles, which are largely linked to the further use of the data after the project is completed.

Through the Long-Term Plan for Research and Higher Education 2023-2032, the Government gave HK-dir, Sikt and the Research Council the assignment of assisting the research institutions in preparing a strategy for Norwegian scientific publication after 2024 and a plan for achieving the objectives of such a strategy.

What should institutions bear in mind when planning new cooperation?

The nature of various disciplines and subject areas means that researchers and research institutions have different traditions and potential for moving towards open science. In certain fields, the sharing of data, results, methods, models and source code is an important prerequisite for the further advancement of research. In other fields and areas, openness requirements may be incompatible with concern for data protection, confidentiality or trade secrets (see Export control of knowledge transfer and international sanctions).

Many find that inadequate infrastructure for secure sharing can also be a problem, and there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution to this, because research data are different in nature, and are subject to different limitations, some of them in different legislations.

Opening the research process to greater participation and involvement of different societal actors raises important questions about representativeness, ability to influence and individual considerations. Whereas certain groups may have a political agenda and the potential to exert influence over research processes and results, other groups or individuals may be vulnerable and in need of protection. In interactions with other societal actors, it is important that researchers adopt a role that encourages different types of competence and expertise to supplement each other, based on established standards of quality assurance, data protection, non-discrimination and research ethics.

Proposed assessments and procedures for management and administration

• Consider the need for guidance and training in data management and whether it has been ensured that practices are in accordance with the legislation and applicable codes of conducts. Are systems and infrastructure available?
• Consider how the institution can support the academic environments in their work with open publishing and data management.
• Ensure that data management plans are used as a tool for planning the responsible handling of data, for example regarding who should have access and how data should be stored and preserved, and that access to and use of data are addressed in collaboration agreements when necessary.

Proposed assessments and procedures for the academic community

• Consider how different aspects of openness can be addressed in the best possible way in accordance with the regulatory framework in situations involving other weighty considerations such as national security interests, data protection, legal issues or considerations of competitiveness.