Bits of Power: Issues in Global Access to Scientific Data - Hardcover

National Research Council; Division On Engineering And Physical Sciences; Commission On Physical Sciences, Mathematics, And Applications; Committee On Issues In The Transborder Flow Of Scientific Data

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0309056357 ISBN 13: 9780309056359

Publisher: National Academies Press, 1997

Synopsis

Since Galileo corresponded with Kepler, the community of scientists has become increasingly international. A DNA sequence is as significant to a researcher in Novosibirsk as it is to one in Pasadena. And with the advent of electronic communications technology, these experts can share information within minutes. What are the consequences when more bits of scientific data cross more national borders and do it more swiftly than ever before? Bits of Power assesses the state of international exchange of data in the natural sciences, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and challenges. The committee makes recommendations about access to scientific data derived from public funding. The volume examines:

• Trends in the electronic transfer and management of scientific data.
• Pressure toward commercialization of scientific data, including the economic aspects of government dissemination of the data.
• The implications of proposed changes to intellectual property laws and the role of scientists in shaping legislative and legal solutions.
• Improving access to scientific data by and from the developing world.

Bits of Power explores how these issues have been addressed in the European Community and includes examples of successful data transfer activities in the natural sciences. The book will be of interest to scientists and scientific data managers, as well as intellectual property rights attorneys, legislators, government agencies, and international organizations concerned about the electronic flow of scientific data.

Table of Contents

• Front Matter
• Summary
• 1 Introduction
• 2 Trends and Issues in Information Technology
• 3 Scientific Issues in the International Exchange of Data in the Natural Sciences
• 4 Data From Publicly Funded Research--The Economic Perspective
• 5 The Trend Toward Strengthened Intellectual Property Rights: A Potential Threat to Public-Good Uses of Scientific Data
• Appendixes
• A Abbreviations and Acronyms
• B Glossary
• C Examples of Successful International Data Exchange Activities in the Natural Sciences
• D Inquiry to Interested Parties on Issues in the Transborder Flow of Scientific Data
• Index

About this title

About the Author

Committee on Issues in the Transborder Flow of Scientific Data, National Research Council

Edition details

• Publisher: National Academies Press
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0309056357
• ISBN 13: 9780309056359
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 250