1
MARQUES, Francis Bento; MACULAN, Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos; SOUZA, Renato Rocha. Evaluating
FAIR Principles Compliance in the Capes Open Data Portal: a case study of Open Government Data. Brazilian
Journal of Information Science: research trends, vol. 18, publicação contínua, 2024, e024035.
DOI: 10.36311/1981-1640.2024.v18.e024035.
Evaluating FAIR Principles Compliance in the
Capes Open Data Portal:
a case study of Open Government Data
Avaliação da conformidade com os princípios FAIR no Portal de Dados Abertos da Capes: um estudo de
caso de dados governamentais abertos
Francis Bento Marques (1)
Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos Maculan (2)
Renato Rocha Souza (3)
(1) Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brasil, fbmarques@gmail.com
(2) Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brasil, benildes@gmail.com
(3) Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV), Brasil, rsouza.fgv@gmail.com
Abstract
The article examines the Open Government Data (OGD) movement, emphasizing applying the FAIR
(Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles to government data, using Brazil's Capes open
data portal as a case study. The study underscores the significance of Open Government Data (OGD) in
promoting transparency and democratizing access to information within the public sector. It addresses
issues such as typographical errors, the absence of standardization, duplicated data, and emphasizes the
necessity for a process model that integrates quality control mechanisms The paper also explores the
economic and political potential of OGD, analyzing the challenge of managing open government data with
high quality and interoperability. The study's results on the Capes portal show mixed compliance with the
FAIR principles, with recommendations for future improvements.
Keywords: Open Government Data; FAIR Principles; Government Transparency; Capes Open Data
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MARQUES, Francis Bento; MACULAN, Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos; SOUZA, Renato Rocha. Evaluating
FAIR Principles Compliance in the Capes Open Data Portal: a case study of Open Government Data. Brazilian
Journal of Information Science: research trends, vol. 18, publicação contínua, 2024, e024035.
DOI: 10.36311/1981-1640.2024.v18.e024035.
Resumo
O artigo examina o movimento Open Government Data (OGD), enfatizando a aplicação dos princípios
FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) aos dados governamentais, usando o portal de dados
abertos da Capes do Brasil como estudo de caso. O estudo ressalta a importância dos Open Government
Data (OGD) na promoção da transparência e na democratização do acesso à informação no setor público.
Ele aborda questões como erros tipográficos, ausência de padronização, dados duplicados e enfatiza a
necessidade de um modelo de processo que integre mecanismos de controle de qualidade. O artigo também
explora o potencial econômico e político dos OGD, analisando o desafio de gerenciar dados abertos do
governo com alta qualidade e interoperabilidade. Os resultados do estudo no portal da Capes mostram
conformidade mista com os princípios FAIR, com recomendações para melhorias futuras.
Palavras-chave: Dados abertos governamentais; Princípios FAIR; Transparência governamental; Dados
abertos Capes
1 Introduction
Over recent years, the Open Government Data (OGD) movement has emerged as a critical
pillar in advancing transparency and democratizing access to information within the public sector.
This movement aims to make processable digital data available in an open way, allowing citizens,
researchers, and developers to access previously restricted or complex information. As argued by
Buckland (1991, p. 352), data can be considered a form of "information as thing" as they are
tangible or digital objects that, when processed, provide relevant evidence and knowledge. In the
context of open government data, these data must be properly structured and accessible in order to
fulfill their role as a basis for knowledge and public transparency.
Moreover, the Open Government Data initiative plays a pivotal role in enhancing digital
democracy. By allowing citizens and organizations to freely analyze and utilize these data, it
fosters increased civic participation and collaboration in governance. This capability not only
enhances transparency but also promotes innovation and the development of technological
solutions aimed at improving the efficiency of public services and enhancing the quality of life for
citizens.
The release of government data is intrinsically linked to the principles of transparency and
accountability, which are essential for building a more informed and participatory society. In the
Brazilian context, the Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (Capes) plays
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MARQUES, Francis Bento; MACULAN, Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos; SOUZA, Renato Rocha. Evaluating
FAIR Principles Compliance in the Capes Open Data Portal: a case study of Open Government Data. Brazilian
Journal of Information Science: research trends, vol. 18, publicação contínua, 2024, e024035.
DOI: 10.36311/1981-1640.2024.v18.e024035.
a crucial role in making available data for evaluating postgraduate courses in the stricto sensu,
providing a valuable basis for research in various areas of knowledge (Roche, 2020).
An essential aspect of the Open Government Data initiative is the delicate balance between
data openness and privacy protection. As highlighted by Borgesius et al. (2015), while open
government data can significantly enhance transparency and public engagement, it raises concerns
regarding the privacy of individuals whose data might be included in these datasets. The authors
propose a framework that respects privacy rights without impeding the benefits of open data. This
framework emphasizes the need to carefully consider the data types released and the conditions
under which they are made available.
It is imperative to foster collaborative and multidisciplinary initiatives to address these
challenges. Such efforts should involve partnerships between government agencies, academic
institutions, and the private sector. These collaborations can lead to developing innovative
solutions and standards that enhance data quality and usability. By working together, these diverse
stakeholders can create a more robust and effective open data ecosystem, which is crucial for the
advancement of digital democracy and public service improvement (Zuiderwijk & Janssen, 2014).
However, the effectiveness of opening up government data faces significant challenges
related to the quality of the available data. In a study by Marques et al. (2023), problems such as
typos, lack of standardization, missing records, and duplicate data in different fields were common
obstacles that affected data quality and reuse. These issues highlight the importance of adhering to
the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, which aim to ensure that
the available data are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (Borgesius et al., 2015).
Implementing data repositories that follow FAIR principles, especially in big data contexts,
is a central challenge, as De Castro et al. (2020) discussed. In addition, producing high-quality
open government data requires a process model incorporating quality control activities, as
Penteado et al. (2021) proposed. These studies highlight the need for a structured and methodical
approach to improve the quality and utility of open data.
Against this backdrop, this research seeks to investigate whether the research data made
available by Capes meets the FAIR principles and to verify the quality of the data available.
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MARQUES, Francis Bento; MACULAN, Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos; SOUZA, Renato Rocha. Evaluating
FAIR Principles Compliance in the Capes Open Data Portal: a case study of Open Government Data. Brazilian
Journal of Information Science: research trends, vol. 18, publicação contínua, 2024, e024035.
DOI: 10.36311/1981-1640.2024.v18.e024035.
2 Open Government Data
The age of digitization and the rapid development of internet technologies have
transformed how governments manage and make data available. Dymora et al. (2018) discuss the
emergence of open data as a significant new area, highlighting the publication of databases from
various public institutions and private sectors on the global internet. This data, available at no extra
cost, allows information to be analyzed and processed freely, representing a milestone in
transparency and governance.
Nikiforova (2021) explores the economic potential of OGD, pointing out that despite its
value in the millions, the effective reuse of data still needs to be improved. The research suggests
the need for more "intelligent" government data to drive a sustainable economy and ICT
innovations, acting as a bridge of creativity in developing new ecosystems in Industry 4.0 and
Society 5.0.
Ruijer et al. (2019) approach OGD from a political perspective, arguing that Open
Government Data is a strategic resource that organizations may be hesitant to share. They develop
an analytical framework to study the politics of OGD, showing that organizational responses to
these initiatives can range from compliance to active resistance. This study provides insights into
why governments may release datasets in specific policy domains but not others, producing a
"strategically opaque transparency" (Ruijer et al., 2019, p. 263).
Ruijer and Meijer (2019) investigate OGD as an innovation process, identifying different
phases in the open data innovation process. Using a living lab in a province in the Netherlands, the
study analyzes how interventions stimulated the use of OGD and raised awareness within the
government. However, several mechanisms inhibited the achievement of OGD ambitions,
indicating that the challenge for open data innovation lies in the scale of its provision and use.
On the other hand, Ding et al. (2012) address the challenges associated with public access
to government data, emphasizing the heterogeneity and complexity of the public information
ecosystem. They report a community consensus on the architecture of the interconnected open
government data ecosystem, reviewing the key technologies and challenges for opening,
connecting, and reusing those data. This study highlights the adoption of linked data-based
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MARQUES, Francis Bento; MACULAN, Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos; SOUZA, Renato Rocha. Evaluating
FAIR Principles Compliance in the Capes Open Data Portal: a case study of Open Government Data. Brazilian
Journal of Information Science: research trends, vol. 18, publicação contínua, 2024, e024035.
DOI: 10.36311/1981-1640.2024.v18.e024035.
solutions by leading practitioners, such as Data.gov in the US and data.gov.uk in the UK, to deliver
an open and incremental ecosystem that interconnects providers, consumers, and contributors of
open government data.
Open Government Data represents a significant advancement in sharing and using
information, promoting transparency and innovation. However, fully realizing their potential
depends on a balanced approach considering the opportunities and the challenges inherent in this
evolving field.
3 Open Government Data in Brazil
In the Brazilian context, Open Government Data has become a tool to promote
transparency and citizen participation. Breitman et al. (2012) discuss the current status of OGD in
Brazil, summarizing the lessons learned from publishing Brazilian government data as linked data.
This study highlights the importance of adapting open data practices to the specificities of the
Brazilian context. Matheus, Ribeiro, and Vaz (2012) explore new perspectives for e-governance
in Brazil, emphasizing the adoption of OGD. They argue that, despite a relatively late start,
Brazilian state and federal governments are creating new standards and practices that should spread
throughout the Brazilian public sector.
Oliveira et al. (2016) performed a comprehensive analysis of OGD portals in Brazil,
evaluating a range of criteria including data volume and quality. The study revealed considerable
diversity in the size and quantity of datasets, with the CSV format being the most commonly used.
This study provides a detailed overview of OGD in Brazil at the time.
Corrêa et al. (2014) presented a more comprehensive evaluation of transparency portals by
surveying 20 Brazilian municipalities. They use Brazil's Access to Information Law requirements
as evaluation criteria, thus covering the principles of OGD. The results show a gap between local
transparency portals and the effective implementation of OGD principles, leading to a
misconception that transparency portals are disconnected from the open government initiative.
6
MARQUES, Francis Bento; MACULAN, Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos; SOUZA, Renato Rocha. Evaluating
FAIR Principles Compliance in the Capes Open Data Portal: a case study of Open Government Data. Brazilian
Journal of Information Science: research trends, vol. 18, publicação contínua, 2024, e024035.
DOI: 10.36311/1981-1640.2024.v18.e024035.
As elucidated by Gonçalves and Araujo (2023), the effective management of OGD
necessitates a strategic approach, focusing on critical success factors such as robust information
systems, stakeholder engagement, and policy frameworks. In the Brazilian context, particularly in
the State of São Paulo, the successful implementation of OGD initiatives has demonstrated the
potential for these data to revolutionize public administration. By ensuring that government data
are open, effectively managed, and utilized, OGD initiatives can lead to more informed decision-
making, foster public trust, and encourage civic engagement, reinforcing the foundations of a
democratic society.
The analysis of Open Government Data in Brazil reveals an evolving scenario with unique
challenges and opportunities. Research highlights the importance of adapting OGD practices to
the Brazilian context, the emergence of new perspectives for e-governance, diversity in open data
portals, and the need to align transparency portals with open government principles (Matheus et
al., 2012; Corrêa et al., 2014). This overview suggests a promising path for transparency and
citizen participation in Brazil, although significant challenges remain.
In addition to open data initiatives, Brazil has been making significant strides in aligning
its practices with the FAIR principles, with the GO FAIR Brazil initiative serving as a key example
of this effort. As highlighted by Sales et al. (2020), the establishment of the GO FAIR Brazil Office
marks an important milestone in coordinating thematic networks aimed at implementing the FAIR
principles across strategic sectors such as health, agriculture, and nuclear energy. The first active
network, GO FAIR Brazil-Health, demonstrates how FAIR principles are being applied in practice,
promoting interoperability and reusability of research data. These initiatives not only strengthen
data governance in Brazil but also bring the country in line with global open science standards,
contributing to the improvement of the quality and accessibility of both scientific and
governmental data.
4 FAIR Principles
The FAIR principles were established by the participants of the Lorentz Workshop entitled
Jointly Designing a Data FAIRport, held in 2014 and maintained by GO FAIR. They were created
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MARQUES, Francis Bento; MACULAN, Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos; SOUZA, Renato Rocha. Evaluating
FAIR Principles Compliance in the Capes Open Data Portal: a case study of Open Government Data. Brazilian
Journal of Information Science: research trends, vol. 18, publicação contínua, 2024, e024035.
DOI: 10.36311/1981-1640.2024.v18.e024035.
to improve the findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reuse of digital research objects for
humans and machines. Wilkinson et al. (2016) pioneered formalizing these principles, highlighting
the urgent need to improve the infrastructure supporting the reuse of scholarly data. They argue
that the FAIR principles can serve as guidelines for those wishing to increase the reusability of
their data.
The FAIR Principles represent a milestone in scientific data management, establishing
essential guidelines for effectiveness and efficiency in research. These principles are divided into
four fundamental categories: Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable, each of which
plays a vital role in promoting open science and maximizing the value of research data (Wilkinson
et al., 2016; Lamprecht et al., 2020; Silva et al., 2023). Buckland (1991) argues that information,
understood as a "thing" to be effectively accessed and reused, must be appropriately structured.
The implementation of the FAIR principles aligns with this perspective, ensuring that data are
findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable, thus maximizing their value as a source of
information and evidence.
The Findable principle is the first step, essential to making data more accessible and usable.
It ensures that humans and computer applications easily locate and identify data. In this principle,
the data is achieved by assigning unique and persistent identifiers to datasets and creating rich and
detailed metadata. Metadata should include clear and precise information about the content,
context, and structure of the data, allowing users to quickly find the information they seek
(Wilkinson et al., 2016; Zupancic et al., 2021).
The Accessible principle guarantees that data can be efficiently and reliably accessed once
located. In this principle, the data must be stored in reliable and accessible repositories using
standards-based, open, and free protocols. In addition, it is essential that data remain accessible in
the long term, even after initial publication, and that access conditions are clearly defined and
communicated (Wilkinson et al., 2016; Jacobsen et al., 2020).
The Interoperable principle refers to the ability of data to be integrated and used
simultaneously with other data sets, systems, and applications. To achieve interoperability, data
must be structured and formatted in accordance with open standards and controlled vocabularies.
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MARQUES, Francis Bento; MACULAN, Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos; SOUZA, Renato Rocha. Evaluating
FAIR Principles Compliance in the Capes Open Data Portal: a case study of Open Government Data. Brazilian
Journal of Information Science: research trends, vol. 18, publicação contínua, 2024, e024035.
DOI: 10.36311/1981-1640.2024.v18.e024035.
This principle allows different systems and tools to understand, process, and use the data
effectively (Lamprecht et al., 2020; Molinaro, 2021).
Finally, the Reusable principle focuses on the need to document data comprehensively to
ensure that it can be reused effectively in different contexts and by different users. This principle
includes providing clear information on the license, provenance, standards adopted, and any other
relevant information that may influence or facilitate data reuse. The efficient reuse of data
maximizes its value and impact, promoting innovation and collaboration in scientific research
(Lamprecht et al., 2020; Hempelmann et al., 2021).
Together, the FAIR Principles establish a robust and comprehensive framework for data
management in scientific research. These Principles facilitate data discovery and access and
promote effective integration and reuse across different domains and platforms. By following these
principles, researchers and institutions can significantly contribute to transparency and
collaboration in the scientific field, strengthening open science and innovation (Lamprecht et al.,
2020).
Zupancic et al. (2021) discuss how data and metadata can be prepared in laboratories to
align with FAIR principles. This chapter provides practical guidance for researchers and
laboratories on how to make data more findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable,
emphasizing the importance of proper formatting and guidance. Applying FAIR principles is not
only limited to data but also extends to research software. Barker et al. (2022) introduce the FAIR
Principles for Research Software (FAIR4RS), adapting the original FAIR principles to reflect the
specific needs of research software. They outline the content and context of the FAIR4RS
Principles, providing groundwork for discussions about their adoption.
In his 2023 study, Delfino uses the FairDataBR tool, which has simplicity and intuitiveness
as its main features, to make it accessible to many users, regardless of their level of technical
expertise. This tool lets users quickly assess whether a dataset meets the FAIR criteria, supporting
effective data management following international best practices.
The application of the FAIR Principles in Open Government Data is exemplified by the
study of De Figueiredo et al. (2019), which conducts a systematic analysis of data management
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MARQUES, Francis Bento; MACULAN, Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos; SOUZA, Renato Rocha. Evaluating
FAIR Principles Compliance in the Capes Open Data Portal: a case study of Open Government Data. Brazilian
Journal of Information Science: research trends, vol. 18, publicação contínua, 2024, e024035.
DOI: 10.36311/1981-1640.2024.v18.e024035.
across different contexts, including research, corporate, and government data. This study
highlights how the FAIR Principles can be integrated and adapted to enhance government data
management, emphasizing the importance of interoperable and reusable data structures. The
research demonstrates that applying the FAIR Principles to government data facilitates the
discovery and access to these data and promotes effective integration and reuse across various
contexts, contributing to more transparent and accountable governance.
Lamprecht et al. (2020) discuss how the FAIR principles can be adapted for the research
software, highlighting the desired characteristics of the research software that go beyond the FAIR
principles. They analyze how existing principles can be applied directly to software and how they
need to be adapted or reinterpreted.
The FAIR principles represent an important milestone in the management of the research
data and software, promoting practices that increase the efficiency and effectiveness of scientific
research (Wilkinson et al., 2016). They encourage the creation of a more collaborative and
transparent research ecosystem where data and software can be easily shared and reused.
Implementing these principles involves challenges but offers significant opportunities to advance
open science and collaborative research (Lamprecht et al., 2020; Zupancic et al., 2021).
4 Methodology
The methodology of this study has an applied nature and exploratory objectives and uses a
quantitative-qualitative approach to analysis. The quantitative evaluative analysis utilizes the
FairDataBR software to assess datasets containing information on Brazilian postgraduate
programs available on the Capes Open Data portal. The software assesses the platform's data based
on the FAIR criteria, generating a detailed report that shows the degree of compliance. This report
identifies patterns, gaps, and opportunities for improvement in data management in a qualitative
assessment that discusses the implications of the results for data management practices and
suggests strategies for improving adherence to the FAIR principles
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MARQUES, Francis Bento; MACULAN, Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos; SOUZA, Renato Rocha. Evaluating
FAIR Principles Compliance in the Capes Open Data Portal: a case study of Open Government Data. Brazilian
Journal of Information Science: research trends, vol. 18, publicação contínua, 2024, e024035.
DOI: 10.36311/1981-1640.2024.v18.e024035.
4 Quantitative analysis: Software application
The FairDataBR assessment thoroughly analyzes the datasets available on the CAPES
portal to assess their adherence to the FAIR principles. This evaluation provides valuable insights
into the current state of open government data management, identifying potential areas for
improvement and aligning with international best practices in open science and data transparency.
The evaluation process using the FairDataBR consists of a set of 20 questions based on the
FAIR principles. The set of questions is primarily multiple-choice, providing a systematic and
standardized approach to the evaluation. Depending on the previous answers, some questions are
followed by open questions, allowing for a more in-depth and contextualized analysis of certain
aspects of the data. After completing the questionnaire, the FairDataBR tool presents the results
graphically to offer a holistic, clear, and intuitive view of the level of adherence of the CAPES
data repository to the FAIR principles. This graphical representation helps interpret the results and
highlights specific areas for potential improvement, providing a solid basis for future action actions
in open government data management (Barker et al., 2022; Delfino, 2023).
Here are the most significant results for each FAIR principle: Findable, Accessible,
Interoperable, and Reusable.
2.1 Findable principle
In the context of the FAIR Principles, the "Findable" principle is crucial to ensuring that
data is easily locatable and identifiable by humans and machines. This principle emphasizes
assigning unique identifiers to datasets and providing rich, detailed metadata that facilitates data
discovery and access (Wilkinson et al., 2016; Zupancic et al., 2021). Götza (2023) highlights that
the systematic application of the FAIR principles, especially findability, helps address the
reproducibility crisis in science and enables scientific data to be available for verification and use
beyond its original purpose. Adopting this principle is fundamental to transparency and efficiency
in research, allowing the data used in scientific publications to be made available to the community
for verification, reproduction, and the derivation of new results. Adherence to the Findable
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MARQUES, Francis Bento; MACULAN, Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos; SOUZA, Renato Rocha. Evaluating
FAIR Principles Compliance in the Capes Open Data Portal: a case study of Open Government Data. Brazilian
Journal of Information Science: research trends, vol. 18, publicação contínua, 2024, e024035.
DOI: 10.36311/1981-1640.2024.v18.e024035.
principle is an essential step towards maximizing the value and impact of data in scientific research
(Götz, 2023).
The application of the FairDataBR questionnaire to assess the Findable principle is shown
in Table 1.
Table 1- Questions and answers on the Findable Principle
Id
Question
Answer
Comment
F1
Do (meta)data sets have a
unique, global and persistent
identifier?
Web address
Data are only identified by URLs (web
addresses), they may not be
considered persistent, as URLs can
change over time.
F2
Are the data sets described
with metadata?
Simple
metadata
Basic metadata are found, such as a
title and brief description, but without
in-depth details or an organized
structure.
F3
Is the identifier included in all
the records / metadata files
that describe the data?
Yes
A URL with the metadata is found in
every collection. The identifier is easy
to find and exists in all datasets.
F4
Can the digital resource be
found on web search engines?
Yes
The resource is easily found by
searching the web.
F5
Is the (meta)data set published
in a repository?
General
Public
The repository is accessible to anyone,
with no specific domain or institution
restrictions.
Source: Research data (2023)
2.2 Accessible principle
Within the FAIR Principles, the Accessible principle is crucial in ensuring that the data is
easily accessible by humans and machines. This principle emphasizes the importance of making
the data accessible under clearly defined conditions using open and standardized protocols
(Zupancic et al., 2021). Jacobsen et al. (2020) argue that although the FAIR Principles are
formulated at a high level and can be interpreted and implemented in different ways, they are
essential to support convergence in the implementation choices that are widely accessible and
reusable for true interoperability between systems.
12
MARQUES, Francis Bento; MACULAN, Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos; SOUZA, Renato Rocha. Evaluating
FAIR Principles Compliance in the Capes Open Data Portal: a case study of Open Government Data. Brazilian
Journal of Information Science: research trends, vol. 18, publicação contínua, 2024, e024035.
DOI: 10.36311/1981-1640.2024.v18.e024035.
Table 2 illustrates the application of the FairDataBR questionnaire on the Accessible
principle, providing an analysis of how the datasets on the CAPES portal adhere to this specific
principle.
Table 2- Questions and answers on the Accessible Principle
Id
Question
Answer
Comment
A1
How accessible are
(meta)data?
Accessible
to the Public
All data and metadata are publicly
available and unrestricted.
A2
Are (meta)data accessible
online without the need for
intermediary protocols or
specialized tools from the
moment access is allowed?
Online file
download
Data and metadata can be downloaded
directly from the portal as files (CSV,
XLS, PDF).
A3
Is it possible to access the
(meta)data set by the identifier
provided?
Yes
Identifiers consistently lead directly to
the corresponding data and metadata.
A4
Are the metadata available
even when the dataset is no
longer accessible?
No
Metadata becomes inaccessible when
the data are not available because
metadata depends on the URL of the
data.
A5
Is the protocol (e.g. HTTP,
SAML, OAI-PMH) open, free
and universally
implementable?
No
There is no possibility of accessing the
data and metadata through the
protocols identified, with or without
the need for software or paid licenses.
A7
Is it possible to download the
(meta)data sets?
Yes
Both datasets and general metadata
can be downloaded from the portal.
The metadata can include information
such as title, description, etc. and the
data is in CSV and/or XLS formats.
Source: Research data (2023)
2.3 Interoperable principle
In the context of the FAIR Principles, the Interoperable principle is essential to ensuring
that data can be integrated and used in different systems and contexts. This principle emphasizes
the importance of structuring data to be compatible and can be combined with other datasets using
open standards and controlled vocabularies (Wilkinson et al., 2016; Zupancic et al., 2021). A study
by Molinaro et al. (2021) highlights the need for interoperable systems, especially in automated
contexts, and the importance of open standards to prevent adverse effects on the user experience.
13
MARQUES, Francis Bento; MACULAN, Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos; SOUZA, Renato Rocha. Evaluating
FAIR Principles Compliance in the Capes Open Data Portal: a case study of Open Government Data. Brazilian
Journal of Information Science: research trends, vol. 18, publicação contínua, 2024, e024035.
DOI: 10.36311/1981-1640.2024.v18.e024035.
Thus, adherence to the Interoperable principle is crucial for the effectiveness and impact of data
on scientific research, promoting integration and collaboration between different fields of
knowledge (Molinaro, 2021).
Table 3 demonstrates the application of the FairDataBR questionnaire on the Interoperable
principle, providing a detailed assessment of the ability of the CAPES portal datasets to integrate
effectively with other systems and contexts.
Table 3- Questions and answers on the Interoperable Principle
Id
Question
Answer
Comment
I1
Are (meta)data sets available
in preferred formats?
Yes
The datasets are available in common
formats: CSV, XLS, RDF, and the
metadata in PDF format.
I2
Are the datasets structured
using a metadata schema or
data models approved by the
community?
Explicit
Schema
There is an explicit metadata schema,
but it is not necessarily a declared
community standard (Dublin Core,
DDI (Data Documentation Initiative),
MARC (Machine-Readable
Cataloging)).
I3
Are (meta)data sets linked to
other (meta)data using
identifiers?
No Links
No links in the metadata, such as DOIs
or URIs, connect different datasets or
metadata.
I4
Did you use terminology
control resources/instruments
to represent the data or data
sets?
No
resources/
instruments
There is no evidence of the use of
terminology control tools, controlled
vocabularies, thesauruses, ontologies
or other terminology control tools.
Source: Research data (2023)
2.3 Reusable principle
In the context of the FAIR Principles, the Reusable principle is essential to ensuring that
the data are not only accessible and interoperable but can also be effectively reused in different
contexts and by different users. This principle emphasizes the importance of documenting the data
clearly and comprehensively, including information on the license of use, provenance, and
standards adopted (Lamprecht et al., 2020; Wilkinson et al., 2016). A study by Hempelmann et al.
(2021) discusses the application of the FAIR Principles in climate service information systems,
highlighting the need for metadata models for efficient consumption and reuse due to the large
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MARQUES, Francis Bento; MACULAN, Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos; SOUZA, Renato Rocha. Evaluating
FAIR Principles Compliance in the Capes Open Data Portal: a case study of Open Government Data. Brazilian
Journal of Information Science: research trends, vol. 18, publicação contínua, 2024, e024035.
DOI: 10.36311/1981-1640.2024.v18.e024035.
volumes of data. These, therefore, require different, more efficient processing approaches for the
data. Thus, adherence to the "Reusable" principle is critical to maximizing the value and impact
of the data on scientific research, promoting the efficient and responsible reuse of data.
Table 4 of the study illustrates the application of the FairDataBR questionnaire on the
Reusable principle, providing an assessment of the capacity of the datasets on the CAPES portal.
Table 4- Questions and answers on the Reusable Principle
Id
Question
Answer
Comment
R1
Are the (meta)data sets
licensed?
Yes
The datasets and metadata have
clear and accessible information
about the license of use, Creative
Commons Attribution Open Data.
R2
What is the license to use the
(meta)data sets?
Open
Data includes Creative Commons
Attribution Open Data licenses.
R4
The (meta)data sets have
detailed provenance?
Yes
The portal provides detailed and
transparent information on the
provenance of datasets and
metadata, including details on
collection, authorship,
modifications, and updates.
R5
Are the (meta)data sets
accompanied by or linked to a
description of the origin of the
workflow that produced the
(meta)data?
No
Information of
Provenance
There need to be details about the
process that led to the data creation,
including the specific steps, tools
used, and decisions made during
data collection and processing.
R6
Do the (meta)data comply
with standards relevant to the
Domain?
No standards
used
There needs to be more information
on a specific research domain
standard established for educational,
scientific or government data or the
use of recognized standards such as
Dublin Core, METS, MODS,
DataCite, etc.
Source: Research data (2023)
4 Qualitative data analysis
Based on the answers provided for the Findable principle of the FAIR Principles, it is
possible to see that the CAPES portal has some positive characteristics regarding accessibility and
15
MARQUES, Francis Bento; MACULAN, Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos; SOUZA, Renato Rocha. Evaluating
FAIR Principles Compliance in the Capes Open Data Portal: a case study of Open Government Data. Brazilian
Journal of Information Science: research trends, vol. 18, publicação contínua, 2024, e024035.
DOI: 10.36311/1981-1640.2024.v18.e024035.
data identification. The presence of a Web Address for the datasets (F1) eases access, but it does
not offer the robustness of a persistent identifier. The Simple Metadata (F2) shows that the data
are described, but these metadata have room for enrichment and detailing. The fact that each
dataset has an identifier in its metadata (F3) and the ability to find the resource in web search
engines (F4) are strengths that enhance the visibility and accessibility of the data. Finally,
publishing the data in a repository accessible to the General Public (F5) reflects a commitment to
transparency and data availability to a wide range of users. However, improving the metadata
quality and adopting more robust and persistent identifiers would be beneficial to align fully with
the FAIR Principles.
The responses related to the Accessible principle of the FAIR Principles indicate a
satisfactory level of data accessibility on the CAPES portal, with some areas requiring
improvement. Data availability to the General Public (A1) is a strong point, ensuring the data are
accessible to a broad audience. The “Download file online” option (A2) eases direct access to the
data, allowing users to obtain the information practically. The fact that the datasets can be accessed
via their identifiers (A3) is a positive aspect that enhances the ease of locating and accessing the
data. However, metadata unavailability when the data are not accessible (A4) and a missing open
and universal protocol (A5) limit the long-term accessibility and interoperability of the data. The
ability to download the metadata sets (A7) reinforces accessibility. However, it is crucial to
implement more open protocols and maintain the metadata to ensure the continuous and effective
accessibility of the data.
The analysis of the answers relating to the Interoperable principle reveals essential aspects
of integrating and communicating data on the CAPES portal. Confirming that datasets are
available in preferred formats (I1) is a positive indication, suggesting that data can be easily used
and integrated into different systems and contexts. Using an “Explicit Schema” (I2) to structure
the data demonstrates a conscious effort to maintain organization and clarity, making it easier for
stakeholders to understand and use the data. However, the absence of “Internal/External Links”
(I3) to connect the datasets to other metadata limits interoperability, as linking data is fundamental
for effective integration into a more comprehensive data ecosystem. In addition, the lack of
terminology control resources or vocabularies (I4) represents a significant gap because these tools
16
MARQUES, Francis Bento; MACULAN, Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos; SOUZA, Renato Rocha. Evaluating
FAIR Principles Compliance in the Capes Open Data Portal: a case study of Open Government Data. Brazilian
Journal of Information Science: research trends, vol. 18, publicação contínua, 2024, e024035.
DOI: 10.36311/1981-1640.2024.v18.e024035.
are crucial for ensuring the consistency and standardization of the terms used, essential elements
for interoperability between different systems and contexts. Controlled vocabularies can restrict
the type of value allowed when filling in data fields to restrict and standardize the values.
Therefore, while there are positive points, there is a clear opportunity to improve data
interoperability on the portal by implementing links and terminology control tools.
The answers relating to the Reusable principle of the FAIR Principles indicate that the
CAPES portal has attributes that favor data reuse, but some areas need attention. The fact that the
datasets are licensed (R1) and the license is open (R2) represents fundamental aspects that promote
data reuse because they ensure that users are clear about the rights and conditions of use. A detailed
provenance of the datasets (R4) is another positive point because it provides users with important
information about the origin and context of the data, which is essential for responsible and
informed reuse. On the other hand, the absence of information on the origin of the workflow that
produced the metadata (R5) is a limitation because this information is crucial to understanding the
context and quality of the data, which is essential for reuse. In addition, the need to align with the
domain standards (R6) can restrict data reuse in specific contexts because the domain standards
facilitate the understanding and integration of data in different areas. Therefore, although the portal
reflects a commitment to data reuse, it would be beneficial to improve the provenance
documentation and adopt the domain standards to maximize the usefulness and applicability of the
data in various contexts.
Figura 1 – Faculdade de Filosofia e Ciências da UNESP, Campus de Marília
Source: Research data (2023).
17
MARQUES, Francis Bento; MACULAN, Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos; SOUZA, Renato Rocha. Evaluating
FAIR Principles Compliance in the Capes Open Data Portal: a case study of Open Government Data. Brazilian
Journal of Information Science: research trends, vol. 18, publicação contínua, 2024, e024035.
DOI: 10.36311/1981-1640.2024.v18.e024035.
The evaluation of the CAPES' open data portal, using the FairDataBR tool and the FAIR
Principles, reveals a mixed picture of adherence to these essential principles for effective open
data management. Figure 1 shows the highest score for the Findable principle, at 8.20, which
indicates the portal's strong ability to ensure data are easily locatable and identifiable. This result
suggests that the CAPES portal efficiently provides unique identifiers and adequate metadata to
make it easier for users to access and discover data.
On the other hand, the scores in the Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable principles,
with respective values of 6.00, 5.00, and 6.40, indicate areas needing significant improvement.
The median scores for Accessible and Interoperable suggest challenges in the ongoing accessibility
of data and the ability to integrate it into different systems and contexts. The slightly higher
Reusable score indicates an acceptable portal adequacy for data reuse. However, there are still
opportunities for improvement, mainly according to domain standards and provenance
documentation. The overall average of 6.40 represents a balance between strengths and areas for
development, highlighting the need for continued efforts to improve the open data management on
the CAPES portal, aligning more closely with international best practices in open science and data
transparency.
3 Final considerations
The application of FairDataBR in assessing the quality of open data provided by CAPES
marks a significant advancement in evaluating and improving government data management in
Brazil. Open government data, as demonstrated by the CAPES portal, plays a pivotal role in
supporting research and promoting transparency. Access to high-quality, openly available data,
aligned with the FAIR principles, is crucial for fostering innovation, facilitating scientific
collaboration, and enhancing accountability in public administration. Well-organized and
accessible data serve as a valuable foundation for knowledge creation and act as a catalyst for
transparency and innovation. This emphasis on data quality and transparency is a key driver for
the sustainable development of open science practices in Brazil, underscoring the importance of
efficient data management in the digital age.
18
MARQUES, Francis Bento; MACULAN, Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos; SOUZA, Renato Rocha. Evaluating
FAIR Principles Compliance in the Capes Open Data Portal: a case study of Open Government Data. Brazilian
Journal of Information Science: research trends, vol. 18, publicação contínua, 2024, e024035.
DOI: 10.36311/1981-1640.2024.v18.e024035.
Open government data, as exemplified by the Capes portal, is crucial for advancing
research and promoting transparency in Brazil. Access to open, quality data, aligned with the FAIR
Principles, is vital to boosting innovation, facilitating scientific collaboration, and promoting
greater accountability and efficiency in public management. By ensuring that data are findable,
accessible, interoperable, and reusable, the CAPES portal strengthens the research ecosystem. It
contributes to democratizing knowledge and building a more informed and engaged society. This
commitment to the quality and transparency of open government data is a crucial step towards
sustainable development and the consolidation of open science practices in Brazil, reinforcing the
vital role of data management in the digital age.
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the Conselho Nacional de
Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) (second author: process 307765/2023-7), as
well as the Sandwich Doctorate Scholarship (Call Nº 6/2024 PDSE) from the Fundação
Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES).
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MARQUES, Francis Bento; MACULAN, Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos; SOUZA, Renato Rocha. Evaluating
FAIR Principles Compliance in the Capes Open Data Portal: a case study of Open Government Data. Brazilian
Journal of Information Science: research trends, vol. 18, publicação contínua, 2024, e024035.
DOI: 10.36311/1981-1640.2024.v18.e024035.
Copyright: © 2024 MARQUES, Francis Bento; MACULAN, Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos;
SOUZA, Renato Rocha. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons
CC Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA), which permits use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
under the identical terms, and provided the original author and source are credited.
Received: 21/08/2024 Accepted: 30/10/2024
