Coopetition as a Catalyst for Researcher Engagement with Open Data

The NIH GREI (Generalist Repository Ecosystem Initiative) aims to enhance data sharing and reuse of NIH-funded research by fostering collaboration among generalist repositories. It focuses on establishing consistent standards and practices, and promoting FAIR data principles to improve data discoverability.

GREI's coopetition model allows for the creation of a more cohesive and effective data-sharing landscape, while still allowing individual repositories to innovate and differentiate themselves. Repositories work together to establish common standards, metadata, and best practices for data sharing, improving overall interoperability.  They collaborate on initiatives that benefit the entire ecosystem, such as developing consistent metrics and enhancing data discoverability.  

While cooperating on core principles, repositories maintain their unique features, services, and competitive advantages. They continue to attract users by offering specialized functionalities, such as data visualization, analysis tools, or specific community support.

This unique strategy for innovating in the repository space allows for uniform ways to track the impact of open datasets. Primarily through citations, we can start to look at ways in which researchers can be rewarded and incentivised to follow good data practices.