Toward stronger coupling between technical infrastructures and institutional processes in data-intensive science

The techniques and approaches within geoinformatics and data science rely on the effective coupling of supporting infrastructures and institutions. Without underlying infrastructures for data discovery, analysis, management, distribution, and preservation, new computational techniques wither on the vine for lack of input or remain isolated as niche tools that miss broader potential audiences. Likewise, without supporting institutions that enable governance of policies and finances, coordination of stakeholders, and validation of new knowledge and tools, technological advances become detached from the people and organizations that operate and use them. This paper centers on a case study of work within the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) to develop effective systems and processes for research data curation, access, discovery, and preservation. By emphasizing iterative alignment of institutional work (policies, intermediaries, governance processes, routines, and financial instruments) and infrastructural work (data storage systems, repositories, tools, and interfaces), balanced progress has been made toward developing solutions to gaps in organizational data services.