Research stakeholders including governments, funders, libraries, publishers, even the UN and UNESCO, have embraced open data for the value it brings the research community and the public at large. Many have recommendations or requirements in place to encourage data sharing. New policies are being adopted all the time.

Why is open data such a priority for research stakeholders? And — beyond the fact that data sharing is becoming a prerequisite for grants and publication — how does open data benefit researchers?

Here we outline just a few of the many ways open data best practices serve research, researchers, and society.

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1. Open data is open research, too

An article is a summary of a research investigation. Data is research in its most essential and reusable form, the first and arguably most important output of any scientific investigation, without which nothing can be gleaned. For researchers, access to that unfiltered information can increase understanding and illuminate new pathways for future investigation.

2. Open data enables reuse

When data are publicly available, researchers can save time and effort on repeating existing studies, and leverage published datasets in new work, reanalysis, and meta-analysis. That amplifies the potential impact of grant dollars, giving funders more bang for their buck, and increases citation potential, which publishers love to see. For researchers it means greater efficiency, more potential for collaboration, and more chances to explore new and exciting avenues of investigation.

3. Open data makes big data possible

We’re in the midst of a revolution in AI and big data. Multiple sources can be combined, cross referenced, and analyzed to extract new insights with unprecedented ease. Complex, cross-disciplinary approaches are creating new insights into the world’s most pressing challenges, from public health to climate change. Broadly available, machine readable scientific data is essential to the future of this type of research.

4. Open data supports trust

On the flip side, AI has made creating sophisticated-seeming fake research simpler than ever before. At the same time, increasing expectations, greater complexity, and a faster pace mean honest human errors and oversights are inevitable. Publicly available datasets demonstrate integrity and positive intent on the part of researchers and enable replication and validation — so readers can feel confident in the reliability of the work. And when other researchers feel confident in the results of a study, they’re more likely to build upon it in their own research.

5. Open data helps research go further

Increased access, greater flexibility, and demonstrated research integrity through open data all translate into meaningful benefits for related research articles: higher readership, an extended citable lifespan, and a measurable citation advantage. That can have a positive impact on authors’ reputations and careers.

6. Open data accelerates discovery

Broad access to verifiable research data means a more efficient, collaborative, transparent, and trusted research system overall. And that increases innovation and accelerates the pace of scientific discovery for researchers and stakeholders alike.

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Data sharing is an integral part of reshaping scientific communication in a way that makes sense for research and researchers, and has the power to benefit society as a whole.

At the same time, for busy researchers, new data requirements can sometimes feel like just one more on a long list of administrative tasks. Stakeholders like funders, libraries, publishers, and service providers have a role to play in facilitating the transition to openness by establishing standards and providing guidance and support when needed.

The goal of open data is never simply transparency for transparency’s sake. It’s about realizing a vision of scientific communication that is more efficient, trustworthy, collaborative, and rapid. A system that reflects the true norms and values of science.