Stress-testing the German Research Software Nexus

A Different Approach

At the de-RSE Collaborations Workshop, we took a different approach to discussing the FutuRSI Phase 1 concept: instead of presenting the concept and discussing it in a conventional workshop format, we turned it into a serious game.

Participants took on different stakeholder roles from the German research system, including funders, research institutions, RSEs, university leadership, network partners and early-career researchers. Each role came with its own interests, concerns and priorities. During the game, participants had to discuss and negotiate different aspects of the proposed German Research Software Nexus, while responding to changing conditions introduced throughout the session.

Putting the Concept to the Test

The game focused on six areas of the Phase 1 concept: the role and boundaries of the Nexus, its value for different target groups, community and partner engagement, core functions and services, governance, and sustainability.

The discussions highlighted different perspectives on these questions and brought forward several points that are useful for the further development of the concept. Some proposals were questioned, others were adapted during the discussion, and participants also introduced ideas that were not part of the original concept.

The discussion after the game provided additional feedback, both on the concept itself and on the game as a format for exploring it. This gave us a number of concrete points to take forward as we continue developing FutuRSI Phase 1.

What We Take Away

For us, the session was a useful opportunity to put the concept into a setting where different interests had to be considered at the same time — and to see which parts of the proposal held up, which needed more clarification, and where further discussion is needed. Our serious game confirmed that the German Research Software Nexus is a credible and necessary proposal, but there is room for improvement. The concept could profit from: (1) clear boundaries to the concept, (2) metrics with clear ownership, and (3) a minimum viable organisation.

Thank you to everyone who took part, played their roles, shared their perspectives and helped us develop the concept further.