Automating Research Data Management Using Machine-Actionable Data Management Plans

Many research funders mandate researchers to create and maintain data management plans (DMPs) for projects that describe how is managed ensure its reusability. A DMP, being a static textual document, difficult act upon can quickly become obsolete impractical maintain. new generation of machine-actionable DMPs (maDMPs) was therefore proposed by the Research Data Alliance enable automated integration information updates. maDMPs open up variety use cases enabling interoperability systems automation tasks. In this article, we system planning in an institutional context. We identify common within be benefit from machine-actionability DMPs. propose reference architecture maDMP support embedded into infrastructure. The semi-automates creation maintenance DMPs, thus eases burden stakeholders responsible various DMP elements. evaluate case study conducted at largest technical university Austria quantify what extent templates provided European Commission national funding body pre-filled. proof-of-concept implementation shows workflows semi-automated, workload on involved parties reduced quality increased. results are especially relevant decision makers infrastructure operators who want design systematic way utilize full potential maDMPs.