Reflections on science gateways sustainability through the business model canvas: case study of a neuroscience gateway

摘要

The sustainability of science gateways has been a topic of active discussion because they have been createdrnand supported in the context of temporary research and infrastructure projects. As successful projects comernto an end, it is necessary to find (new) models to secure continuous exploitation of products generated byrnthese projects. Taking this step requires business considerations that are not trivial to do from the role of arnresearcher. This paper presents our experiences in adopting a methodology from lean business development,rnthe BusinessModel Canvas (BMC). This methodology enables structured reflection upon the business modelrnand facilitates exploring alternative ones (pivoting).We have applied the BMC to one of the science gatewaysrndesigned, developed, and operated by the Academic Medical Center (AMC) e-Science group: the AMCrnComputational Neuroscience Gateway. The current gateway BMC is explained in the paper and used as basisrnfor a reflection to improve its sustainability. Alternative business models are given as examples of BMCrniteration or pivots. This exercise helped us to structure the various aspects to be considered when designingrnor reflecting upon the business model of our gateway. It also facilitated the visualization of the completernbusiness picture and helps the reflection about improvements in the business model toward sustainability.Wernbelieve that this methodology could be valuable also for the reflection about sustainability of other sciencerngateways that are growing from academic groups that do not have business training.