Funding Information Infrastructures for Research: A DFG Strategy Paper | Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

"...This strategy paper discusses the funding activities of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) in the area of scientific information infrastructures. It has two functions. First, it reflects on the basic structural framework of DFG funding activities in relation to information infrastructures in the sciences and humanities – both at an overarching level and with regard to three selected topics – and discusses the necessary changes based on the current situation. It also identifies specific measures as a response to the analysed challenges and action required. Second, it thus provides a guideline for funding activities in the area of Scientific Library Services and Information Systems (LIS).

As the self-governing organisation representing the interests of the research community in Germany, the DFG believes that it has a responsibility to actively participate in shaping the digital transformation in the sciences and humanities. Funding in the area of information infra- structures aims to respond to requirements articulated by the research community, to keep pace with constantly changing dynamics, to be open to unconventional project ideas and pro- jects at the exploratory stage, to provide impetus and to stimulate the development of struc- tures and standards....

In terms of Open Access Transformation (B.II.), the DFG sees the greatest need for action in the areas of funding, monitoring and policy. The DFG will therefore

- review its practice of fixed-rate publication fees with a view to open access and if ap- propriate link it to the further development of institutional support for literature provision (evaluation of the Open Access Publishing and Licences for Digital Content pro- grammes)..."