| While gateways have the potential to transform many fields, much of their development work is done in isolation. There are few opportunities for the developers of gateways to learn from one another or learn about different software approaches—much less explore topics such as usability, licensing, project management, effective operation in a virtual organization, or robust software engineering practices. Successful gateway development can be a difficult, sometimes entrepreneurial activity. Many factors contribute to a successful gateway—often factors that may be a distraction to a science-focused PI.
A 2-year study of the characteristics of and environments needed for successful gateways [26] uncovered many similarities with start-up business enterprises. Separation of research and development and production operation, staged funding for different parts of the development cycle, a charismatic leader with a vision, and a business plan of sorts are all characteristics common to both successful businesses and successful gateways. Gateway projects can benefit from incubator services similar to those offered to fledgling companies to augment expertise in areas not always common among scientists—software engineering, project management, business planning, marketing, etc.
A Gateway Institute can put the necessary structures in place to allow gateways to flourish, which in turn means the scientists using the gateway can flourish. A Gateway Institute can put the necessary staff members in place to help build gateways and educate the next generation in the critical skills that allow one to translate science goals into technological realities. A Gateway Institute can deliver a component-based, extendable framework whose pieces can be used as needed to build more functional gateways. These offerings are described more fully in the "Institute Design" section of the proposal. |
