The "open definition" and the importance of openness for the Swiss research landscape

The Open Kowledge Foundation defines in the open definition that: "Open data and content can be freely used, modified, and shared by anyone for any purpose." This claim is based on the assumption that open data leads to more transparency and collaboration. Open data is a cornerstone of Open Science, a science practice that focuses on transparent and accessible knowledge that is shared and (further) developed through collaborative networks.

Many research funders, such as the SNSF, support the principle that research data and research results funded with public money should be freely accessible to all. Likewise, they expect data produced during research to be subsequently publicly accessible on digital databases, provided there are no legal, ethical or other clauses to the contrary.

Swissuniversities, the Rectors' Conference of the Swiss Universities, also supports this principle and has developed a National Strategy for Open Research Data on behalf of the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation. It was published in July 2021.