Illuminating the Research Technology Support Ecosystem

A Fall 2024 IT Pro Forum panel highlighted the need for a strong ecosystem, not just a community, to achieve the level of engagement required to effectively support campus researchers’ use of technology.
Over the following year, this concept was further explored, and a consultant specializing in ecosystems was engaged. A diverse, multi-unit team of research support professionals and faculty from across campus worked with the consultant to map the existing ecosystem and identify key “interventions” to strengthen research technology support. Additional input was gathered through multiple feedback and listening sessions with the broader community.
A final report was issued in January 2026. Work is now underway to share the report and begin implementing its recommendations. The Research Technology Subcommittee within the Boldly IT governance structure is currently being formed and will incorporate these recommendations into its efforts.
This session will provide an overview of the report and the current status of its recommendations. It will also highlight the process used to develop the report and engage participants in a focused discussion to broaden participation and inform next steps.
Discussion prompts will include:
Where have you seen collaboration between campus and departmental IT create stronger outcomes than either could achieve alone?
When has input to a central IT function meaningfully influenced decisions or outcomes, and when has centrally provided information improved local services or decision-making?
What made these interactions effective, and how can those patterns be applied to strengthen the research technology ecosystem?