Open Research Agenda Setting (ORAS) is an early means of stakeholder engagement in the research process. Its aim is to consider people’s desires and external expertise in identifying and defining new research areas. The term “open” is associated with the broader context of Open Science/Open Research. ORAS can enhance creativity and innovation in co-designing research ideas, and the choice of tools depends on the research agenda’s scale and specificity.
Researchers wishing to use Open Research Agenda Setting may be interested in a Toolbox on ORAS methodologies put together by the Arqus Alliance. This Toolbox contains seven methodologies with comments on their usefulness in different settings and specific advice.
Arqus has also issued a series of Recommendations on ORAS for different target groups.
Toolbox on ORAS
The goal of this toolbox developed by the Arqus European Alliance is to make Open Research Agenda Setting (ORAS) knowledge and tools accesible, lower barriers for researchers, and promote connections and exchanges in research with the ultimate aim of including stakeholders in research by co-creating research agendas.
Testing the tools
Seven participative methodologies (tools) were tested in eight pilot workshop settings at seven Arqus universities. The aim was to involve stakeholders in the shaping of research agendas in the area of Artificial Intelligence / Digital Transformation and in the area of Climate Change / Sustainability.
Recommendations on ORAS
The following recommendations for the establishment and the furthering of an effective framework for ORAS initiatives are addressed to the university management level, the administration staff and researchers.