Strategic Framework Towards Open Science Adoption in Malaysia

Open science is one of the key features of data-intensive research methods. Despite its manifold benefits, the interest and willingness of Malaysian researchers to share their research data are noticeably low. Likewise, Malaysia has not performed well in recent international open data assessments. Hence, The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) addressed the Malaysia Open Science Platform (MOSP) as one of the key strategies in National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy 2021-2030. This study aimed to determine the organizational enablers that facilitate the delivery of MOSP strategic management by employing three qualitative approaches: literature review, desk research and semi-structured interview. This study determined leadership, people and cooperation as soft enablers while technology and systems as hard enablers. The change and stakeholder management were proposed as success factors in delivering these variables. A strategic framework was also presented as a foundation for MOSTI in formulating a robust and comprehensive strategy.

I. Introduction

In recent years, the way we conduct scientific research has undergone a paradigm shift from knowledge-driven to data-driven. This is particularly evident in data-rich industries such as healthcare, transportation, emerging manufacturing and service platforms. Researchers around the world now have the capacity and capability to perform data-intensive experiments that allow them to easily collect, analyses and store large volumes of data acquired through computational simulation, modelling and automated data acquisition. This has been further catalysed by the advancement of state-of-the-art information and communications technologies such as big data, cloud computing and machine learning. Open science is one of the key features of data-intensive research methods [1]. It encompasses unrestricted access to scientific publications, data from publicly funded research, and collaborative research made possible by technological tools and incentives [2]. This is why more and more researchers, journals and funding entities are now discussing on the idea of open science.