A Crowdsourcing Practices Framework for Science Funding Call Processes

Abstract

Public scientific research funding agencies (funding agencies) are charged with the task of implementing government science policy and identifying research projects worthy of funding. They play an important role in creating value for society through funding research and informing research policy. However, the work of funding agencies in recent years has been hampered by various challenges in call processes. This research proposes crowdsourcing as a potential solution for funding agencies. Information systems research has engaged with crowdsourcing and the open innovation phenomenon. Crowdsourcing has been utilised by both private organisations and governments in the seeking solutions to similar types of challenges. Despite this fact, no crowdsourcing frameworks have been adapted to address the types of challenges faced by funding agencies in call processes. This research seeks to identify challenges faced by funding agencies for the purposes adapting a crowdsourcing practices framework to address these challenges.