Playing catch-up in building an open research commons

Abstract:  Many aspects of the research enterprise are rapidly changing to be more open, accessible, and supportive of rapid-response investigations (e.g., understanding COVID-19) and large cross-national research that addresses complex challenges (e.g., supply chain issues). Around the globe, there have been aggressive responses to the need for a unified open research commons (ORC)—an interoperable collection of data and compute resources within both the public and private sectors that is easy to use and accessible to all. Many nations are positioning themselves to be scientifically competitive in the years to come. But the US is falling behind in the accessibility and connectedness of its research computing and data infrastructure (1), compromising competitiveness and leadership and limiting global science that could benefit from US contributions. The challenge is more cultural and institutional than technical and demands immediate and sustained leadership and support, starting with policy-makers and research funders.