The National Framework on the Transition to an Open Research Environment has been developed as the first step in a process to create a National Action Plan for the transition to an open research environment in Ireland.

The National Framework is aligned with developing European Commission policy in this area and is structured accordingly. Commission Recommendation (EU) 2018/790 of 25 April 2018 on access to and preservation of scientific information asks Member States to “set and implement clear policies (as detailed in national action plans)” covering open access to publications; management of research data; preservation and reuse of scientific information; infrastructures for open research; skills and competencies; and incentives and rewards.

The principles of the National Framework support access to research funded by the Irish Government. They support the free flow of information across national and international research communities, contributing to research-enabled teaching and learning; citizen science; open innovation; and greater transparency, accountability, and public awareness of the results of publicly funded research. The transition to an open research environment has a key objective of enhancing and supporting research excellence across all disciplines, research integrity, and public trust in research.

This report presents an in-depth analysis and strategic roadmap for advancing the open repository landscape in Ireland. Drawing on comprehensive data from interviews, surveys, self-assessments, and both national and international initiatives, the document outlines the current status, challenges, and future prospects for open repositories in Ireland. Key findings highlight significant advancements in open access adherence. Despite these successes, persistent challenges such as metadata quality, resource limitations, and sustainability issues underscore the need for concerted effort and strategic planning. 

The report proposes a forward-looking roadmap spanning from 2025 to 2030 and beyond, prioritising the enhancement of repository infrastructures, metadata quality improvement, open mandates promotion, technological advancements, capacity building, and fostering collaborative partnerships. This strategic vision aims to develop and encourage Ireland's transition to open research, leveraging innovative practices and collaborative efforts to facilitate a more open, inclusive, and sustainable research environment. By addressing current limitations and embracing future opportunities, the roadmap sets the stage for a transformative shift in Ireland’s scholarly communication landscape, with potential significant impacts on researchers, institutions, and society at large.

https://zenodo.org/records/10806558

The National Open Research Forum (NORF) was established in 2017 to drive the Irish agenda for open research.

NORF prepared Ireland’s National Framework on the Transition to an Open Research Environment, launched by the Government of Ireland in July 2019. The role of NORF is to propose national actions to address the challenges of changing the Irish research system to strengthen, promote or better support open research practices as outlined in the National Framework. NORF is currently developing a National Action Plan for the transition to an open research environment.