The creation of the Flemish research discipline list, an important step forward in harmonising research information (systems)

Abstract

In 2011, Peters et al. [1] wrote a report on the administrative simplification of research reporting in Flanders. Next to the description of several data flows that could be harmonised, validated and merged into CRIS systems, the report also contained important recommendations on the use of common standards and classifications that could lead to more efficient and qualitative research information (systems) and thus more efficient research reporting. As such, in Flanders several classifications are used in research reporting. In the context of reporting on research output and expertise, data is clustered based on research disciplines. Currently, a variety of research discipline classification lists are utilised in Flanders, each depending on the authority to whom a researcher is obliged to report. Because the existence of several research discipline lists for a region as small as Flanders is redundant and inefficient, one of the most important recommendations of the report by Peters et al. [1] was the creation of a single research discipline code list that could be used to tag information inside CRIS systems for reporting, dissemination and visualisation purposes. The uniform definition and management of the semantics of this research discipline code list for all research actors in Flanders could have an immediate impact on the accuracy of reporting and the policy pursued on the basis thereof. In addition, such managed classification systems can be used in dynamic research information systems that drastically reduce the administrative burden of the research population, which automatically entails an important investment in research and innovation.