Enhancing Scientific Discourse: The Potential of Sustainable Lean Science ?

by Sergej Lugovic

In the pursuit of redefining scientific publishing for accessibility, sustainability, and impact, Sustainable Lean Science emerges as a digital sustainability innovation. Drawing inspiration from the research paper "The Secondary Experience of an Information System Enabling Scientific Communication" (2015, by Sergej Lugović, Vesela Motika Ltd, Ivan Dunđer from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FFZG) - Department of Information Science, and Marko Horvat from the University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing), this approach aims to transform how scientific knowledge is disseminated and utilized.

At its core, Sustainable Lean Science is underpinned by a synthesis of theoretical frameworks, notably Science 2.0, Research 2.0, and Coordination 2.0. These frameworks serve as the scaffolding for a novel model meticulously designed to navigate the intricate dynamics of modern scientific communication.

The trajectory of scientific knowledge dissemination over the past seventy years has been marked by profound evolution, propelled by technological advancements. While modernization has optimized existing processes, the advent of transformation has precipitated fundamental shifts, ushering in an era characterized by novel modalities of scientific communication.

Central to the ethos of Sustainable Lean Science is the delineation between primary and secondary user communities. 

  • Primary communities, comprising scientists and their affiliated institutions, play a pivotal role in both generating and disseminating scientific output. 
  • In contrast, secondary communities, consisting of entities beyond the traditional scientific sphere, leverage published scientific findings for diverse purposes.

Science 2.0

The emergence of Science 2.0 represents a significant departure from conventional scientific practices, highlighting a collaborative and efficacious approach to research. Leveraging a suite of digital tools, including blogging and social networks, Science 2.0 facilitates seamless collaboration and real-time information exchange among researchers. This inclusive approach not only boosts productivity but also democratizes the scientific discourse, fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge dissemination.

Research 2.0

Research 2.0 advances upon the core tenets of Science 2.0, championing transparent and inclusive research practices. By embracing a spectrum of digital tools and platforms, Research 2.0 empowers researchers to partake in open and collaborative knowledge construction amidst the intricate landscape of evolving research methodologies.

Coordination 2.0

Coordination 2.0 signifies a transformative leap in collaborative initiatives, surpassing conventional boundaries to embrace document-centered collaboration. Through the integration of varied communication modalities, Coordination 2.0 seamlessly orchestrates cooperation among disparate entities, fostering synergy and fostering innovative endeavors.

Crowdsourcing, Open Innovation, and Collective Intelligence

Crowdsourcing, Open Innovation, and Collective Intelligence stand as pivotal pillars within the Sustainable Lean Science framework, harnessing the collective wisdom of diverse stakeholders to propel scientific inquiry forward. By tapping into the collective intelligence of diverse individuals and groups, researchers transcend traditional limitations, unveiling novel frontiers of discovery.

In sum, Sustainable Lean Science heralds a departure from conventional models of scientific communication, prioritising functionality and adaptability in the production, dissemination, and utilisation of scientific knowledge. Through its rigorous and collaborative approach, Sustainable Lean Science aims to catalyse transformative change in the scientific landscape, driving innovation and societal progress. Through its rigorous and collaborative approach, Sustainable Lean Science embodies the core principles of digital sustainability, promising to catalyse transformative change in the scientific landscape, driving innovation and societal progress. This commitment is deeply intertwined with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as outlined below:

  1. No Poverty: Sustainable Lean Science promotes open access to scientific knowledge, ensuring that valuable research findings are freely available to all, irrespective of financial constraints.
  2. Zero Hunger: By facilitating the dissemination of innovative agricultural research and sustainable farming practices, Sustainable Lean Science contributes to efforts aimed at eradicating hunger and ensuring food security.
  3. Good Health and Well-being: Sustainable Lean Science fosters the rapid dissemination of medical breakthroughs and public health research, empowering healthcare professionals to make informed decisions and improve patient outcomes.
  4. Quality Education: Through open access to educational resources and research findings, Sustainable Lean Science enhances the accessibility and quality of education, empowering learners and educators alike.
  5. Gender Equality: By democratizing access to scientific knowledge and fostering inclusive research practices, Sustainable Lean Science promotes gender equality in academia and scientific research, ensuring equitable opportunities for all.
  6. Clean Water and Sanitation: Sustainable Lean Science supports the dissemination of research on water management, sanitation technologies, and environmental conservation, contributing to efforts to ensure clean water and sanitation for all.
  7. Affordable and Clean Energy: By promoting the sharing of research on renewable energy technologies and sustainable energy practices, Sustainable Lean Science accelerates the transition towards affordable and clean energy solutions.
  8. Decent Work and Economic Growth: Sustainable Lean Science facilitates knowledge exchange and collaboration among researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth.
  9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, Sustainable Lean Science catalyzes the development of sustainable infrastructure and technological solutions to address global challenges.
  10. Reduced Inequality: Sustainable Lean Science promotes inclusive research practices and equitable access to scientific knowledge, helping to bridge the gap between developed and developing regions and reduce inequalities in access to education and opportunity.
  11. Sustainable Cities and Communities: By disseminating research on urban planning, sustainable development, and resilient infrastructure, Sustainable Lean Science supports the creation of livable, inclusive, and sustainable cities and communities.
  12. Responsible Consumption and Production: Sustainable Lean Science encourages the sharing of research on sustainable consumption and production practices, fostering responsible consumption patterns and minimizing environmental impact.
  13. Climate Action: By facilitating the dissemination of climate research and sustainable development strategies, Sustainable Lean Science contributes to global efforts to mitigate climate change and build resilience to its impacts.
  14. Life Below Water: Sustainable Lean Science supports research on marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and ocean health, contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
  15. Life on Land: By sharing research on biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable land management practices, Sustainable Lean Science promotes the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
  16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Sustainable Lean Science promotes transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in scientific research and decision-making processes, contributing to the promotion of peace, justice, and strong institutions.
  17. Partnerships for the Goals: By fostering collaboration among researchers, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and civil society organizations, Sustainable Lean Science facilitates multi-stakeholder partnerships to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Conclusion

In the quest to fulfill Vesela Motika's mission of "Science at the Service of Humanity," Sustainable Lean Science emerges as a transformative methodology. It integrates sustainability principles to confront the fusion of biology and digital technologies, aiming to democratize scientific knowledge and foster innovation for societal advancement.  In the pursuit of Vesela Motika's mission, "Science at the Service of Humanity," Sustainable Lean Science emerges as a transformative methodology, integrating sustainability principles and digital sustainability to democratize scientific knowledge and foster innovation for societal advancement. This commitment is deeply intertwined with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as outlined below:

  • Digital sustainability; ensures that scientific knowledge is disseminated efficiently and effectively, allowing wider accessibility without the need for downloading lengthy PDFs
  • Accessible Knowledge: Ensuring scientific insights are readily available to all stakeholders, aligning with Vesela Motika's goal of democratizing access to scientific knowledge. 
  • Collaboration and Innovation: Promoting open access and collaborative research practices to drive innovation in bio-digital convergence and beyond. 
  • Sustainable Solutions: Leveraging sustainability principles to tackle global challenges, including those posed by bio-digital convergence, with a focus on continuous improvement. 
  • Transparency and Accountability: Embracing transparency and accountability in scientific research and communication, welcoming criticism and collaboration to advance knowledge. 
  • Empowering Stakeholders: Enabling diverse stakeholders to contribute to and benefit from scientific advancements, fostering collaboration in addressing societal issues.
  • Adaptability: Remaining adaptable in the face of rapid technological and societal changes, embracing new ideas and collaborations in bio-digital convergence. 
  • Ethical Considerations: Upholding ethical standards in research and communication, ensuring responsible scientific advancements with respect for human dignity and the environment.
  • Resilience and Sustainability: Championing sustainability principles to build resilience in scientific research and practice, acknowledging the interconnectedness of ecological, social, and technological systems. 
  • Diversity and Inclusivity: Embracing diverse perspectives and expertise to foster collaboration and innovation in bio-digital convergence. 
  • Collective Progress: It is driven by a collective commitment to advancing the greater good, aligning with Vesela Motika's mission to utilize science for the betterment of humanity and the planet. 

In conclusion, Sustainable Lean Science embodies the ethos of humility, collaboration, and innovation, aligning with Vesela Motika's commitment to serving humanity through science. By embracing sustainability principles and promoting open dialogue, Sustainable Lean Science paves the way for a future where scientific advancements contribute to the well-being of all, guided by a shared vision of progress and inclusivity.

Writen by; Sergej Lugović, PhD, and ChatGPT