CRKN is partnering with the Digital Research Alliance of Canada (the Alliance) to champion a collaborative national strategy for persistent identifiers (PIDs) to support the widespread adoption of PIDs across the Canadian research ecosystem. We believe in a future where comprehensive persistent identifier (PID) adoption will underpin an effective and equitable digital research information landscape in Canada, enabling open and persistent connections between research inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes. A national approach to PIDs encourages widespread adoption and innovation, which maximizes the benefits to Canada. Other countries, like the UK and Australia, are already developing national PID strategies - Canada must too.
Resources
Since 2021, CRKN and the Alliance have been developing this national strategy drawing on international expertise from MoreBrains Cooperative. With guidance from the Canadian Persistent Identifier Advisory Committee (CPIDAC), they have developed materials to support PID adoption in Canada.
The engagement toolkit includes materials that can be used for promotion and targeted outreach.
The PID Matrix is a tool that can help you to choose the right PID for the right problem. In particular, it compares gold standard open and public options (like ORCID and DOIs) to proprietary options that do not meet criteria associated with the principles guiding the National PID Strategy.
From 2021 to 2024, CRKN, the Alliance, and CPIDAC worked with consultants MoreBrains Cooperative across three phases to help assess the Canadian PID landscape, challenges and opportunities for PID adoption, and gaps to be filled. They published reports at the ends of each phase with key insight and strategic guidance for the implementation and adoption of PIDs in Canada.
Phase I: Towards a national PID strategy for Canada
Phase II: Laying the foundations for the Canadian national PID strategy
Phase III: Investing in an efficient and transparent research ecosystem in Canada