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Accelerating social science knowledge production with the coordinated open-source model

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  • Konrad Turek

    (Tilburg University)

Abstract

With the growing complexity of knowledge production, social science must accelerate and open up to maintain explanatory power and responsiveness. This goal requires redesigning the front end of the research to build an open and expandable knowledge infrastructure that stimulates broad collaborations, enables breaking down inertia and path dependencies of conventional approaches, and boosts discovery and innovation. This article discusses the coordinated open-source model as a promising organizational scheme that can supplement conventional research infrastructure in certain areas. The model offers flexibility, decentralization, and community-based development and aligns with open science ideas, such as reproducibility and transparency. Similar solutions have been successfully applied in natural science, but social science needs to catch up. I present the model’s design and consider its potential and limitations (e.g., regarding development, sustainability, and coordination). I also discuss open-source applications in various areas, including a case study of an open-source survey harmonization project Comparative Panel File.

Suggested Citation

  • Konrad Turek, 2025. "Accelerating social science knowledge production with the coordinated open-source model," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 59(2), pages 767-795, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:qualqt:v:59:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s11135-024-02020-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s11135-024-02020-7
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