The Hidden Cost of Research Data Chaos and the ROI of RDM

Research Data Management (RDM) has become a strategic investment in higher education as universities face growing financial pressure, expanding regulatory oversight, and rising expectations from funders. The question is no longer whether to invest in robust RDM infrastructure, but how to evaluate its return on investment (ROI)

The Hidden Costs of Inadequate RDM

Institutions without efficient RDM infrastructure experience costs that they underestimate.

Research Time and Productivity Lost

When data is managed through tools that are disconnected, such as through multiple emails, shared drives, or online storage, researchers spend significant time:

• Searching for different files

• Searching for the most recent version of their work

• Recreating lost data

• Resolving inconsistencies across collaborators

• Manually preparing documents

These inefficiencies translate into higher research and salary costs.

Duplication of Effort

Many institutions unknowingly pay multiple times for overlapping tools, such as:

• Separate collaboration platforms

• Tracking systems

• Redundant compliance solutions

Thus, without a centralized RDM platform, unnecessary costs are incurred. 

Compliance and Risk Exposure

Regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, PIPEDA, GDPR, and many more must be followed depending on the research conducted. Not having an RDM platform that mitigates these risks can result in:

• Fines and penalties

• Loss of funding and grants

• Legal and consulting fees

• Delays or suspensions

A Strategic Asset 

It is vital to recognize that the importance of managing research data efficiently is not purely to avoid compliance liability, but rather, is a long-term asset. Well-managed data allows research to be published first and reduces duplication, supports Open Science initiatives and multiple regulatory frameworks across the world, enhances institutional reputation, and increases funding opportunities.

What an RDM ROI Calculator Should Measure

Primarily, a robust ROI calculator typically examines operational efficiency. This includes time saved per research on organization, documentation, and collaboration. myLaminin’s ROI calculator calculates efficiency gains from using the myLaminin  platform, which includes improved data accessibility, reduced project delays, improved collaboration, research output value, penalties avoided from noncompliance, and many more.

As well, ROI calculators must measure revenue or productivity boosts. This includes the improved ability to attract funding, increased research output, and potential revenue from making or selling datasets. myLaminin’s ROI calculator has the ability to calculate all of these variables. 

At the root of it all, a strong RDM platform must save costs. This can be calculated on myLaminin’s ROI calculator to see how the platform can save money on storage and infrastructure, costs avoided due to reduced compliance risks, and reduced administrative overhead.

Final Thoughts

In an era with constrained budgets and heightened accountability as well as penalties, institutions can no longer afford to treat RDM as an afterthought. The financial, operational, and reputational implications are far too significant. An RDM ROI calculator offers a comprehensive and structured approach to understanding the value of investing in modern research infrastructure. 

Researchers and institutions can head over to the myLaminin ROI calculator and see the true financial value of investing in an RDM platform.

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Vafa Javadova (article author) is a myLaminin intern, and studying Management and Organizational Studies (BMOS) at Western University.