Research data management in Switzerland: National efforts to guarantee the sustainability of research outputs

In this article, the authors report on an ongoing data life cycle management national project realized in Switzerland, with a major focus on long-term preservation. Based on an extensive document analysis as well as semi-structured interviews, the project aims at providing national services to respond to the most relevant researchers' data life cycle management needs, which include: guidelines for establishing a data management plan, active data management solutions, long-term preservation storage options, training, and a single point of access and contact to get support. In addition to presenting the different working axes of the project, the authors describe a strategic management and lean startup template for developing new business models, which is key for building viable services.