Realising the European Open Science Cloud

Abstract

This is the first report of the Commission High Level Expert Group on the European Open Science Cloud (HLEG EOSC).The Report recommends to close discussions about the ‘perceived need’ of a science cloud and to take immediate action on the EOSC in close concert with Member States, building on existing capacity and expertise. They also recommend writing clear Rules of Engagement for access to the EOSC and for the provision of services based on research data (e.g. TDM, data analytics, etc.). But the implications of the report reach further in several aspects of Open Science policy more broadly. They recommend framing the EOSC as the EU contribution to a future, global Internet of FAIR Data and Services underpinned by open protocols. They recommend to set-up and fund a concerted effort to develop core data expertise in Europe. They estimate that half a million 'core data scientists' are needed to make the most of open research data in Europe. Finally, they recommend changing radically the funding model for research data, from traditional and rigid funding schemes of the past - e.g. small and unaccounted part of a time-limited and space-bound grants to an overall co-funded national / EC funding scheme. They estimate that on average about 5% of total research expenditure should be spent on properly managing and 'stewarding' data in an integrated fashion.

The Recommendations of the HLEG EOSC provide a solid starting point for further reflection and engagement of scientific user communities, research funders and Member States in the making of the initiative.