Dealing with Data Deluge at National Funding Agencies: An Investigation of User Needs for Understanding and Managing Research Investments

摘要

This paper provides in-depth, applied and contextualized insights about the particular challenges members of federal government funding agencies face when dealing with data deluge. We present the findings of qualitative research conducted with members of a federal US funding agency. The findings point out specific needs for understanding investment portfolios broadly and tracking the evolution and impact of ideas. They show limitations of existing solutions and their negative effects on labor, time, and personal stress. Based on these findings, we make specific suggestions for the design of automated tools that can help funding agencies understand and manage their portfolios.