Executive Summary: A Review of Options for the Development of Research Data Management Technical Infrastructure at the University of Sheffield

This purpose of this report is to indicate options available for the development of a technical infrastructure to support research data management (RDM) at the University of Sheffield. RDM, its situation within academic research and recent drivers towards change are defined. The processes involved in RDM and the elements of the supporting technical infrastructure are examined. The local context, of RDM technical infrastructure at the University of Sheffield and collaborating institutions, is explored. The range of technical infrastructure components available and evaluations of these components are reviewed. Instances of fully-functioning RDM technical infrastructure and many of the recent research projects that developed and piloted RDM technical infrastructure components are briefly described. Finally, recommendations for suitable technical infrastructure components are proposed.