Maturity of research data management ecosystems in Tanzania: A Fuzzy Delphi Method

Abstract

Most African countries’ research data management (RDM) practices are still in the incubation stage, though the incubation rate among these countries, including Tanzania, is different. This study aimed to assess the RDM maturity in Tanzania by briefing policy development and practices using the Fuzzy Delphi Method. Specifically, the study aimed to identify indicators for the RDM practices in Tanzania and examine the maturity level of the RDM practices in Tanzania. Data Maturity Models were used to guide this study. Fuzzy Delphi techniques were employed to collect data from seventeen (17) RDM experts. The fuzzy logic validated the indicators that were used in this study. The final results after the iterative data collection using the Fuzzy Delphi Method have shown that the RDM practices in Tanzania have different levels of maturity across RDM dimensions, with infrastructural ecosystems being more mature as compared to other dimensions such as collaboration, legal and regulatory framework, and human competencies. Moreover, the study has noted collaboration and partnership as the RDM dimension that needed more attention. The study recommends establishing enabling environments, including instituting legal and regulatory frameworks that facilitate the maturation of other RDM dimensions.