Towards an open infrastructure for Science , Technology and Innovation data

In this paper we describe the SMS data integration platform (http://sms.risis.eu), the technical core within the RISIS data infrastructure for Science. Technology and Innovation Studies (STI). The aim of the platform is to produce richer data to be used in social research – through the integration of heterogeneous datasets, ranging from tabular statistical data to unstructured data found on the Web. We outline the platform’s architecture and functions. An example shows how the platform enables data integration in practice. In another example we illustrate how the platform can create and adapt alternatives to the OECD Functional Urban Areas (FUAs) by integrating data from multiple up-to-date open data sources.