Towards a proposed national framework for research data management in Tanzania

Abstract

Despite the emerging needs for research data management (RDM) practices in Tanzania, the efforts have remained underutilised, fragmented, and insufficiently coordinated. This has highlighted the need for a national RDM framework to guide, harmonise, and standardise RDM practices in Tanzania. To propose this framework, the study employed three models: the Community Capability Model (CCM) framework, the Data Maturity Model (DMM), and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The literature review and the empirical findings informed the development of the proposed model. For empirical findings, data were collected from ten selected government agencies and research institutions in Tanzania. The study's population comprises institutional leaders, researchers, and RDM experts. The study employed a mixed-methods research approach to collect data from 272 researchers, 23 institutional leaders, and 17 RDM experts. Findings have shown that RDM collaboration, along with the RDM infrastructural ecosystems, were the most influential components of RDM practices. Other influential components were policy and regulatory frameworks, RDM competence, and contextual factors. These findings served as the foundation for designing the proposed national RDM framework in Tanzania. The proposed framework was then shared with the selected RDM experts, who provided perspectives that led to further refinement. The study offers contributions to research institutions in Tanzania, policymakers, and government agencies seeking to adopt, institutionalise, and sustain RDM practices at both national and institutional levels.