RS Classification by Maturity

As we clarified in the previous section, the international definition of research software encompasses a wide range of software. This breadth necessitates further distinction of research software into types or categories. Several classifications have been proposed in the past, and an overview along with multiple dimensions for categorisation has been put forward by Hasselbring et al. [2025]. However, for the purpose of this paper, a maturity-based classification intended to clarify the level of responsibility and support required by institutions as well as the community to sustain a piece of software is more suitable, as it also guides the allocation of resources and facilitates decision-making regarding documentation, licensing, long-term stewardship, and ownership.