E-Uptake:
Barriers and enablers in the
use of advanced ICT
methods
Fostering e-infrastructure
8-9th May, Edinburgh
For more information...
http://www.e-researchcommunity.org/projects/e-uptake/
Aim of the Project
• Widen adoption of e-infrastructure
• Increase the user-base of JISC funded
services
• Provide the ground for a change in the way
that researchers see their practice
• Provide service providers and technology
developers with a sound grasp of problems as
perceived by users
• Achieve wider impact and sustainability
WP1.2: Community Engagement
and Data Collection
• Acquire a consolidated understanding of
academic use of JISC funded e-infrastructure
services
• Identify the gaps in the support needed for
effective adoption of e-infrastructure.
Methodology
• Sample:
– academics (across Research Council
areas) whose work demonstrated
potential interest regarding the use of
advanced ICT methods
– service providers
• Research methods: triangulated data
collection process (across data collection
methods and sources of information)
Pilot Study
• 4 interviews (2 from AHRC and 2 from
ESRC)
• Few comments were made on the process
of the actual research methodology
• The researchers identified possible barriers
to the engagement of possible interviewees
• Result: improvement of the research tools
and process
Method of engagement
• Background research of webpages, papers etc
• Forms of contact
– Personalised initial email
– Reminder email
– Phone call
• Response rate: about 48%
Questionnaire findings I
Questionnaire findings II
Questionnaire findings III
Questionnaire findings IV
Preliminary view of the interview data
Examples of barriers identified:
• Low service profile and lack of awareness
• Non-interoperability with local infrastructures, services
and policies
• Accessibility
• Lack of training
• Usability of tools and services within and across
communities
• Disciplinary cultures and existing research workflows
• Lack of dedicated support throughout the research
lifecycle
• Documentation and interfaces
• Technological change and sustainability
Coordination with eIUS and
ENGAGE
•
•
•
•
Common Steering Committee
Framework of understanding
Shared repository and data sharing
Additional resourcing from JISC
– Transcription
– Dissemination
Currently...
• Analysis of our data
– Evaluation of methods
– Including e-science tools (text mining)
• Preparation for follow-up fieldwork
– Non-adopters and service providers
• Preparation of review workshops