Revised Four archetypes of Open Science Partnerships: Connecting aims and means in open research collaborations

Open Science Partnerships (OSPs) are gaining attention as an alternative or supplement to university-industry collaborations with more restrictive policies on IPR and knowledge sharing. OSPs are however not a homogenous phenomenon; they differ in important respects that influence what they can be used for, and the impact they can create. This exploratory study draws on a qualitative case study of five biomedical OSPs and engagement with OSP practitioners to identify key elements in the design of OSPs. We argue that understanding the purpose of an OSP is crucial to understand how OSPs differ. We distinguish between two key components of this purpose. The first refers to the predominant purpose of the OSP, as indicated by the relative weight placed on the advancement of the progress of science vs. the advancement of the use of science, notably in the private sector. The second refers to the nature of the research aims pursued by an OSP, focusing on whether they are directed or open-ended. Based on these two components, we propose four ideal types of OSPs that highlight the varied forms that such partnerships can take. These archetypes are intended to provide a starting point for researchers interested in better understanding of the nature and scope of OSPs, and for practitioners wishing to ensure that means applied match the desired ends when designing OSPs.