Combined usage statistics as a basis for Research intelligence. KE [Knoledge Exchange] briefing paper

At the third workshop on Usage Statistics which took place in Berlin om 29-30 March 2010 a group of experts came together to describe a vision on the future of usage statistics. This resulted in the briefing paper which can be found below. In this paper they make a cause for collecting and exchanging usage statistics as this can provide valuable insight in how research is being used, not only by the research community, but also by business and society in general. This would provide a basis for 'Research Intelligence', an intelligent use of reliable numerical data which can be used as a basis for decision making in higher education and research. Usage statistics are a clear example of data which can offer a valuable contribution to the information required to make informed decisions. To allow for the meaningful collection, exchange and analysis of usage statistics a number of challenges and opportunities need to be addressed and further steps need to be taken.