Whitaker Ideas Forum: A study of the use of crowdsourcing by research funding agencies in call processes

Scientific research and the work of research funding agencies (RFAs) has in recent times been impeded by various obstacles and challenges. RFAs are predominantly engaged in tasks surrounding the assessment and funding of research projects through competitive open call processes. Such processes face various problems. Scientific research in recent years has seen increased competition between participants for decreasing resources globally. Furthermore, existing international call assessment/peer review processes have shown intellectual insularity, a lack of flexibility and a lack of transparency in selection mechanisms. RFAs have also sought new means by which to involve the public in the support of science and research. RFAs are reluctant to involve the public in the process of selecting projects that require research funding. This is due to the fact that funding proposals are complex documents and ordinarily, experts are required to evaluate these proposals.

Crowdsourcing presents solutions to many of these challenges. While research has seen the advancement of various crowdsourcing models and taxonomies, it is posited that many of these do not suit the specific needs of RFAs.

The research features two major components. First, expert interviews were conducted with crowdsourcing experts and research funding experts in respect of the challenges faced by funding agencies in opening call processes. Second, two case studies were completed with one national and one pan-European funding agency in examining crowdsourcing practices in context.

This research presents an adapted crowdsourcing framework for selecting, formulating and evaluating crowdsourcing practices for use by public RFAs and provides further guidance for funding agencies seeking to implement crowdsourcing.

This is one of a series of seminars in the Whitaker Ideas Forum. Eoin will be representing the Agile and Open Innovation research cluster.

The Whitaker Ideas Forum is a weekly seminar, running Wednesday’s throughout the semester from 1:00pm-2:00pm in CA110. It provides the opportunity for members of the Institute to showcase their research. The result are presentations that highlight the diversity of the research being undertaken, while allowing for an opportunity to engage in discussions and, sometimes, collaboration with attendees. Below, you will find a list of this semester’s seminars, please click the title for more information on that seminar.