Key Impact Pathways for the Open Science Framework

This report explores the impacts of Open Science (OS) practices with the scope of a proof-of concept study using the impact pathway concept described in PathOS Open Science Interventions Logic  (Dekker et al., 2023). Based on previous data collected by PathOS, particularly from the scoping review by Klebel et al. (2024) and empirical case studies conducted by Cole et al. (2023), this report customizes, tests, and validates the Key Impact Pathway approach in the context of Open Science. The approach utilises evaluation methods and concepts, particularly identifying impact chains (from activities to the creation of outputs, outcomes, and impacts) and collects and codes information from a set of 40+ sources. The resulting information is used to generate high-level impact chains, displayed as intervention logics, of Open Science practices. Three such preliminary pathways indicating the impacts of different Open Science activities are identified in the report: 1) Citizen Science, 3) Open Access pathway, 3) Impacts on climate and environment.