Definition RS Ecosystem

When discussing the research software ecosystem (Footnote: In a strict sense, a more nuanced term would be "research software anthroposystem", but this term is rarely used.), we refer to the dynamic, complex, interconnected, and interdependent network of people, communities, institutions, software, infrastructure, practices, activities, policies, and resources that collectively support the sustainable development, deployment, use, sharing, and maintenance of research software. In this ecosystem, research software has three interconnected functions: i) it provides use functions by acting as a means for research tasks such as data analysis, simulation and modelling, instrument control, and workflow management, ii) it delivers archive functions by preserving the intellectual work behind research and ensuring that it is findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable (FAIR), while supporting reproducibility and iii) it enables community functions by fostering collaboration, learning or training, advancing research through iterative development, and building reputation.