Researchers Voluntarily Embrace Open Data Practices Beyond Mandatory Requirements

Voluntary Open Research Adoption Exceeds Expectations

Researchers are increasingly embracing open research practices voluntarily, motivated by factors beyond policy mandates, according to a new analysis by Taylor & Francis and DataSeer. The investigation, which examined more than 8,000 journal articles published in 2023, found adoption rates surpassing expectations across multiple open research indicators.

Voluntary Open Research Adoption Exceeds Expectations
Key Findings Reveal Significant Progress
Comprehensive Methodology and Additional Insights
Drivers Beyond Policy Requirements
Strategic Implications for Research Community
Accessibility and Future Directions

Key Findings Reveal Significant Progress

The report titled “Moving the needle on open data” reveals that more than half of researchers (52%) included Data Availability Statements in their articles, significantly exceeding the anticipated one-third rate. Sources indicate this is particularly notable given that not all journals currently mandate DAS inclusion. Additionally, approximately one-third of researchers in certain disciplines chose to openly share their research data regardless of journal policies.

Analysts suggest these findings demonstrate a cultural shift toward greater research transparency. “We were very encouraged by the results of this analysis and the current uptake of open research practices has exceeded our expectations in every area,” commented Rebecca Taylor-Grant, Director of Open Science Strategy & Innovation at Taylor & Francis, according to the report.

Comprehensive Methodology and Additional Insights

The landscape analysis employed AI-driven assessment of open research indicators across thousands of articles. Beyond data sharing practices, the investigation also examined code and software sharing, preprint deposition rates, and ORCID iD adoption. The report states that considerable variation exists across disciplines and geographic regions, though specific breakdowns weren’t provided in the initial summary.

Drivers Beyond Policy Requirements

Researchers appear motivated by benefits extending beyond compliance, according to the analysis. Enhanced visibility, increased research impact, and improved collaboration opportunities are reportedly key factors driving voluntary adoption. Open research practices, which include sharing data, code, and software, support transparency, reproducibility, and replicability of results, ultimately encouraging trust in research and enabling more rigorous academic debate.

Strategic Implications for Research Community

Tim Vines, founder and CEO of DataSeer, noted that “Our Open Science Metrics provide unique business intelligence that reveal behavioral patterns, opportunities, and, as in this case, progress toward more open, rapid, and reproducible research.” The report suggests that regular tracking of these metrics will help publishers adjust policies in step with evolving research culture.

Taylor & Francis reportedly plans to use these insights to develop discipline-specific support for authors across its portfolio of more than 2,700 journals. The publisher has expressed commitment to working collaboratively with the academic community to drive a sustainable shift toward open research practices.

Accessibility and Future Directions

The complete data from the landscape analysis is available on Figshare, allowing other researchers to examine the findings in detail. This transparency in sharing the analysis data itself exemplifies the open research principles the report examines.

For those seeking background information, additional context about open science and research reproducibility is available through established educational resources.