Collective intelligence and crowdsourced R&D for crisis research

Complex problems can be decomposed and opened to large numbers of solvers. Callaghan and Dayan (2020) set out propositions for complementing current research processes with such methods, and call on researchers to work in networks with partners who hold complementary skills.

Collective intelligence, applied in real time, is proposed as a way to unfold complex problem spaces with large numbers of solvers. Methods that decompose complex problems, such as crowdsourced research and development, can complement current research processes.

Real-time research requires stronger networks between researchers, so specialists are called to work with others who hold complementary skills and knowledge.

Research organizations can build open, networked structures that aggregate knowledge across many contributors.

• Antimicrobial resistance as a disaster risk: a disaster studies perspective
• Why discovery slows down: research productivity and the knowledge aggregation problem

Callaghan, C. W., & Dayan, O. (2020). Antibiotic resistance and R&D failure: The need for near real-time disaster research. Jàmbá: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies, 12(1), a795. https://doi.org/10.4102/jamba.v12i1.795