Nordic LifeWatch cooperation, final report: A joint initiative from Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden

The main goal of the present report is to outline the possibilities for an enhanced cooperation between the Nordic countries within eScience and biodiversity. LifeWatch is one of several ESFRI projects which aim to establish eInfrastructures and databases in the field of biodiversity and ecosystem research. Similarities between Nordic countries are extensive in relation to a number of biodiversity related issues. Most species in Nordic countries are common, and frequently the same challenges concerning biodiversity and ecosystem services are addressed in the different countries. The present report has been developed by establishing a Nordic LifeWatch network with delegates from each of the Nordic countries. The report has been written jointly by the delegates, and the work was organized by establishing working groups with the following themes: strategic issues, technical development, legal framework and communication. Written during two workshops, Skype meetings and emailing, the following main issues are discussed in the present report: * Scientific needs for improved access to biodiversity data and advanced eScience research infrastructure in the Nordic countries. * Future challenges and priorities facing the international biodiversity research community. * Scientific potential of openly accessible biodiversity and environmental data for individual researchers and institutions. * Spin-off effects of open access for the general public. * Internationally standardized Nordic metadata inventory. * Legal framework and challenges associated with environmental-, climate-, and biodiversity data sharing, communication, training and scientific needs. * Finally, some strategic steps towards realizing a Nordic LifeWatch construction and operational phase are discussed. Easy access to open data on biodiversity and the environment is crucial for many researchers and research institutions, as well as environmental administration. Easy access to data from different fields of science creates an environment for new scientific ideas to emerge. This potential of generating new, interdisciplinary approaches to pre-existing problems is one of the key features of open-access data platforms that unify diverse data sources. Interdisciplinary elements, access to data over larger gradients, compatible eSystems and eTools to handle large amounts of data are extremely important and, if further developed, represent significant steps towards analysis of biological effects of climate change, human impact and development of operational ecosystem service assessment techniques. It is concluded that significant benefits regarding both scientific potential, technical developments and financial investments can be obtained by constructing a common Nordic LifeWatch eInfrastructure. Several steps concerning organizing and funding of a future Nordic LifeWatch are discussed, and an action plan towards 2020 is suggested. To analyze the potential for future Nordic LifeWatch in detail, our main conclusion is to arrange a Nordic LifeWatch conference as soon as possible. This conference should involve Nordic research councils, scientists and relevant stakeholders. The national delegates from the participating countries in the Nordic LifeWatch project are prepared to present details from the report and developments so far as a basis for further development of Nordic LifeWatch. The present work is financed by NordForsk and in-kind contributions from participating institutions

Addressing challenges in the initial stages of Business Intelligence with Design Thinking

Business Intelligence (BI) can be a great source of advantage in a business decision process. However, as we move forward, data comes in a greater volume and variety than before which puts pressure on BI to utilize this complex data and take better decisions. From BI companies point of view, it is about creating as much value as possible for its customers and stakeholders. It can however be challenging creating value with data that does not correspond with the purpose, business- goals and needs as well as user- goals and needs. Setting up goals, desires, and an overall plan happens in the initial stages of the BI process. This thesis aims to investigate and characterize the possible challenges appearing in these initial stages and discuss a method for addressing these challenges. In consultation with a company within BI, the method chosen was Design Thinking (DT). The challenges of BI in the initial stages and DT relevant for this thesis was studied through a literature study as well as through qualitative interviews and a workshop-like approach. Since the goal of this thesis is to generate theory that can be further researched, grounded theory is used as a strategy. The interviews conducted was with four BI experienced persons, whereas one had experience in DT as well. The result of these interviews confirms, corroborate, and adds to the challenges in the initial stages of BI brought up in the literature study. Challenges such as extracting goals and needs, plan, involve and manage. A desire for a method of ensuring that value is created for the customers was expressed in the interviews. One of the interviewees had used DT-tools in an implementation project scenario before with success. Findings from literature review and interviews gave insights about common challenges in BI and that a human-centered method such as DT can address these challenges.

Addressing challenges in the initial stages of Business Intelligence with Design Thinking

Business Intelligence (BI) can be a great source of advantage in a business decision process. However, as we move forward, data comes in a greater volume and variety than before which puts pressure on BI to utilize this complex data and take better decisions. From BI companies point of view, it is about creating as much value as possible for its customers and stakeholders. It can however be challenging creating value with data that does not correspond with the purpose, business- goals and needs as well as user- goals and needs. Setting up goals, desires, and an overall plan happens in the initial stages of the BI process. This thesis aims to investigate and characterize the possible challenges appearing in these initial stages and discuss a method for addressing these challenges. In consultation with a company within BI, the method chosen was Design Thinking (DT). The challenges of BI in the initial stages and DT relevant for this thesis was studied through a literature study as well as through qualitative interviews and a workshop-like approach. Since the goal of this thesis is to generate theory that can be further researched, grounded theory is used as a strategy. The interviews conducted was with four BI experienced persons, whereas one had experience in DT as well. The result of these interviews confirms, corroborate, and adds to the challenges in the initial stages of BI brought up in the literature study. Challenges such as extracting goals and needs, plan, involve and manage. A desire for a method of ensuring that value is created for the customers was expressed in the interviews. One of the interviewees had used DT-tools in an implementation project scenario before with success. Findings from literature review and interviews gave insights about common challenges in BI and that a human-centered method such as DT can address these challenges.

Nordic LifeWatch cooperation, final report: A joint initiative from Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden

The main goal of the present report is to outline the possibilities for an enhanced cooperation between the Nordic countries within eScience and biodiversity. LifeWatch is one of several ESFRI projects which aim to establish eInfrastructures and databases in the field of biodiversity and ecosystem research. Similarities between Nordic countries are extensive in relation to a number of biodiversity related issues. Most species in Nordic countries are common, and frequently the same challenges concerning biodiversity and ecosystem services are addressed in the different countries. The present report has been developed by establishing a Nordic LifeWatch network with delegates from each of the Nordic countries. The report has been written jointly by the delegates, and the work was organized by establishing working groups with the following themes: strategic issues, technical development, legal framework and communication. Written during two workshops, Skype meetings and emailing, the following main issues are discussed in the present report: * Scientific needs for improved access to biodiversity data and advanced eScience research infrastructure in the Nordic countries. * Future challenges and priorities facing the international biodiversity research community. * Scientific potential of openly accessible biodiversity and environmental data for individual researchers and institutions. * Spin-off effects of open access for the general public. * Internationally standardized Nordic metadata inventory. * Legal framework and challenges associated with environmental-, climate-, and biodiversity data sharing, communication, training and scientific needs. * Finally, some strategic steps towards realizing a Nordic LifeWatch construction and operational phase are discussed. Easy access to open data on biodiversity and the environment is crucial for many researchers and research institutions, as well as environmental administration. Easy access to data from different fields of science creates an environment for new scientific ideas to emerge. This potential of generating new, interdisciplinary approaches to pre-existing problems is one of the key features of open-access data platforms that unify diverse data sources. Interdisciplinary elements, access to data over larger gradients, compatible eSystems and eTools to handle large amounts of data are extremely important and, if further developed, represent significant steps towards analysis of biological effects of climate change, human impact and development of operational ecosystem service assessment techniques. It is concluded that significant benefits regarding both scientific potential, technical developments and financial investments can be obtained by constructing a common Nordic LifeWatch eInfrastructure. Several steps concerning organizing and funding of a future Nordic LifeWatch are discussed, and an action plan towards 2020 is suggested. To analyze the potential for future Nordic LifeWatch in detail, our main conclusion is to arrange a Nordic LifeWatch conference as soon as possible. This conference should involve Nordic research councils, scientists and relevant stakeholders. The national delegates from the participating countries in the Nordic LifeWatch project are prepared to present details from the report and developments so far as a basis for further development of Nordic LifeWatch. The present work is financed by NordForsk and in-kind contributions from participating institutions