EcoSoc-IN – The German Data Forum sets up a GO FAIR implementation network
The German Data Forum (RatSWD) has set up EcoSoc-IN, the first GO FAIR implementation network for the social, behavioural, and economic sciences. It focuses on user-friendly solutions for accessing and linking disclosive data and addresses the specific data protection needs of these disciplines. The network is founded on the long-standing expertise of the German Data Forum (RatSWD) and the accredited research data centres. EcoSoc-IN is open for national and international organisations and individuals, who endorse EcoSoc-IN’s goals and are willing to contribute to the network.
Findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability of research data – these are the principles of a FAIR data policy, which the German Data Forum (RatSWD) has been expressly supporting since 2004. The German Data Forum (RatSWD) recently published the Manifesto for the Economic and Social Sciences goINg FAIR Implementation Network (EcoSoc-IN) to initiate the improvement of access to disclosive data on a national and international level.
EcoSoc-IN is the first GO FAIR implementation network for the social, behavioural, and economic sciences. It addresses the specific data protection needs of those disciplines. Research data most often contain disclosive data on individuals, companies, or institutions. The establishment of the EcoSoc-IN of the GO FAIR initiative has paved the way for an international platform to discuss the design of tailored access paths to such disclosive research data in accordance with data protection regulation.
EcoSoc-IN puts the focus on research data centres (RDCs) as a tried-and-tested solution for research data access. Since its inception, the German Data Forum (RatSWD) has accredited 32 such RDCs. They bring a wealth of experience to the table, which will facilitate interdisciplinary and international exchange. EcoSoc-IN’s manifesto was developed in close cooperation with the accredited RDCs. EcoSoc-IN is committed to promoting and enhancing the RDC model and to developing solutions to continuously improve the linkability and interoperability of disclosive research data, particularly on a cross-national level.
Participation in EcoSoc-IN is open to any organisation or individual endorsing the manifesto. The broad support of EcoSoc-IN among national and international scientific communities in the social, behavioural, and economic sciences will facilitate implementing the goals laid out in the manifesto on a national and international level.