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Catalytic effect of open data platforms: the case of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
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DOI：10.1007/s11192-026-05703-0.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
In recent years, the proliferation of open data initiatives has increased the use of large-scale data platforms in scientific research. While these platforms are anticipated to transform research practices, the mechanisms through which open data influences the evolution of scientific fields remain poorly understood. This study proposes an analytical framework for investigating shifts in researchers’ topical orientations before and after adopting data platforms. This framework is applied through a case study leveraging data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), demonstrating how engagement with open data can trigger systematic changes in research agendas. The findings revealed a tendency among researchers to transition from themes like “Climate Change and Forest Ecology” and “Forest Ecosystem Structure” toward areas such as “Plant Biodiversity and Soil Ecology” and “Conservation and Habitat Management”. These findings suggest that GBIF directs scholarly attention toward specific research fields and influences topic selection. Research aligned with European policy priorities, such as pest management and risk assessment, has also expanded following GBIF adoption. Comparative analyses revealed distinct patterns of topic transitions among GBIF users compared with non-GBIF users. Notably, transitions toward themes such as “Plant Biodiversity and Soil Ecology” and “Plant-Host Interactions” were prominent, indicating that these themes have been further explored with the use of GBIF. Conversely, diminished attention was observed in topics such as “Taxonomic Studies” and “Forest Modelling”. These results underscore the role of open data platforms—exemplified by GBIF—as foundational infrastructures shaping the evolution of research trajectories.
Keywords:
Open science
Open data
Global biodiversity information facility (GBIF)
Open data platform
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