A leading technology provider for the research sector, Digital Science, is calling for greater awareness of how rapidly advancing technologies are transforming academia. Following the release of its latest report, Research Transformation: Change in the Era of AI, Open, and Impact, the firm has highlighted significant shifts in attitudes and practices in research, which could reshape traditional models.
Digital Science’s report, based on a survey and in-depth interviews with researchers, delves into areas such as open research, impact metrics, artificial intelligence (AI), collaboration, and security. It suggests that these fast-developing trends are challenging the longstanding dynamics of the academic landscape. While these changes bring potential benefits, they also underscore the difficulties for a sector that traditionally moves at a more measured pace.
Key findings from the survey, which gathered input from 380 academics across 70 countries, indicate that open research is making an impact but still faces significant hurdles. Academic metrics are gradually evolving to prioritise broader, more inclusive measures of research impact. AI, seen as a critical transformative tool, could propel progress, though Digital Science warns that skills shortages and regulatory complexities may hinder its adoption.
Jonathan Breeze, Digital Science’s Executive Vice President of Academic, expressed the urgency of understanding and supporting these transformations. He noted, “The Research Transformation report captures the academic community’s perspectives on changes in the sector, providing deeper insight into what is required for a sustainable future. Digital Science aims to support academia with AI-powered tools that meet these evolving needs.”
According to Digital Science’s analysis, collaboration between institutions is on the rise, yet funding and security challenges remain a concern. Mark Hahnel, VP of Open Research, and Simon Porter, VP of Research Futures, who also contributed to the report, believe these findings underscore the importance of adapting to technological shifts. They noted, “Academic institutions can position themselves to deliver impactful research by embracing AI, open research, and emerging impact metrics. However, these advancements come with both opportunities and challenges for the academic sector.”
Digital Science also emphasised the need for strategic risk management to counter potential security threats as collaborations increase. Breeze stressed that the report encourages academia to re-evaluate its approach to security, advocating for a cultural shift in managing risks associated with the integration of technology.
The report findings were drawn from a combination of surveys and in-depth interviews, conducted from late May to mid-July 2024. Participants included individuals from academic libraries, research offices, faculties, and leadership teams, providing a diverse set of perspectives on the sector’s evolution.
Digital Science is planning further activities to explore these themes, including a webinar in partnership with Times Higher Education. The session will focus on the evolving role of research in academia and examine how AI and other technologies can enhance the openness, inclusivity, and collaboration in research practices.
As technology continues to reshape academia, Digital Science’s report presents an urgent call for reflection, suggesting that institutions need to adopt agile, forward-looking strategies to thrive in this rapidly changing environment.
