09 Dec 2024
EOSC advances with clear path for future development
The European Commission reports that the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) has reached pivotal milestones in its progression towards an integrated and accessible research environment for Europe. At the latest EOSC Tripartite Governance meeting, organised by the Hungarian EU Presidency in Budapest, a series of significant developments were endorsed.
- With a vision for a cohesive and operational EOSC Federation, the Tripartite Governance has agreed on a process to sequence the enrolment of potential Candidate EOSC Nodes. The initial wave of Candidate Nodes is scheduled to begin activities in early 2025, marking a pivotal step in the Federation’s establishment.
- The Federation Handbook, a crucial guide for organisations interested in joining the EOSC Federation, is on target for completion by the end of 2024. This document will provide practical guidance on key components, including architecture, governance, operations, and policies of the EOSC Federation. The Handbook is being crafted with the input of over forty volunteers from the community, ensuring a comprehensive and representative resource for future members.
- The future of the EOSC initiative beyond 2027 is also taking shape with clarity and purpose. A workshop is planned to exchange best practices and national approaches to the development of Nodes. The workshop will contribute to the ongoing dialogue.
- The Tripartite governance plans to elaborate an updated narrative for EOSC. The narrative will take into account a number of recent reports, such as those by Enrico Letta, Mario Draghi and the High-Level Expert Group chaired by Manuel Heitor. It is planned to be endorsed at the next EOSC Tripartite Governance meeting, reinforcing EOSC's role in enhancing Europe's competitiveness and impact.
The Tripartite Governance has emphasised the importance of robust communication processes and the essential interlinkage between the community and governance bodies. These are deemed vital for the effective development of EOSC provisions on both national and European levels. They ensure that the evolving research landscape is supported by a strong and collaborative infrastructure. As the EOSC continues to evolve, the recent developments signify a robust framework for scientific innovation and support the collaborative spirit underpinning the development of accessible European digital infrastructures for research.
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