Sharing Knowledge: Scientific Communication - SSOAR

Reflections on the Value Chain of Scientific Information 185
suffices to conclude that the use of the four functions provides a consistent analysis
of formal and informal scientific communication.
3 Value chain
3.1 General remarks
The value chain is defined as the chain of links of values added by each stakeholder
in the entire process of scientific information. The value chain defines the
mutual roles of these stakeholders and their responsibilities. The original idea of
the value chain as presented by Porter is based on the process view of organisations,
the idea of seeing a manufacturing or service organisation as a system
made up of subsystems each with inputs, transformation processes and output.
Inputs, transformation processes and outputs involve the acquisition and consumption
of resources 10 .
The links of added value in the value chain can always be mapped on the four
main functions of scientific communication: the registration, awareness, certification
and archive functions.
The value chain then starts with the creation of the work by the author who in
the traditional value chain (see figure 1) submits this work to a journal or other
publication outlet at a publisher, for registration. If this is a “for profit” or “not
for profit” publisher is irrelevant, it is the publishing function that is being addressed.
The publisher sends the paper out for review, for certification. Possibly
after some rounds of revisions, the publication is accepted for publication resulting
in the registration of the work. The publication will then be distributed, often
with the subscription agent as an intermediary between the publisher and the
university. The publication then lands at the academic institution, in the
institution’s library to be archived and finally on the desk of the reader who will
become aware of the publication.
The above value chain is the familiar traditional value chain for research information.
However, looking at educational information we do see a very similar
chain. Again, the information is being created by the author, be it the teacher
or the student, and submitted for registration. The information is being certified,
either by the teacher in case of student material, by a publisher in case of course
material, or by an accreditation board in case of an entire course. The material
will be distributed either internally within the institution, or it may be shared
with other institutions, directly or indirectly via a publisher. In the end it will
land with the reader, be this a teacher or student.
10 Michael E. Porter, “Competitive Strategy”, The Free Press, New York, 1980.