About MultiObs

The Multi-Observatory of Science, Technology and Innovation Dynamics project (MultiObs) seeks to improve the study and monitoring of Science, Technology and Innovation systems. This research proposal aims to establish a São Paulo Chair of Excellence (SPEC) at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) to develop a broad research program to create evidence and knowledge for more effective monitoring of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI). The program addresses critical and contemporary issues in STI indicators and policy-making, addressing widespread challenges regarding data infrastructures, funding dynamics, and societal and policy engagement with STI. We create a new framework for STI monitoring that federates data infrastructures and adopts participatory and multi-perspective approaches.

The program is structured around three main components: 1) A federated Big Data Research Infrastructure, composed of the largest available set of interconnected databases and analytical tools to support diverse data-driven questions; 2) Four Thematic Branches addressing pressing challenges in STI: (a) STI Funding and Workforce, (b) Public Communication, (c) Technology and Innovation, and (d) Science-Policy and Diplomacy in STI; 3) An innovative Living Lab aimed at co-creating contextually relevant STI indicators by engaging with the 28 organizations that already support the program (including industry, research groups, data providers, media, research funders, and policy organizations).

The program expects to produce a public cloud computing infrastructure, new monitoring frameworks, educational materials, policy briefs, and academic outputs (articles, dissertations, books, and blog posts). Capacity building through various postgraduate courses and training modules will be central. Ultimately, the research program seeks to support stronger STI relationships with industry and society, and more effective STI policies and strategies.