A significant volume of computer code and software are generated from NTU research projects across many disciplines. Under the NTU Research Data Policy and NTU Intellectual Property Policy, NTU owns all computer code and software developed by staff and students through research projects, except in cases such as sponsored research, multi-institutional collaborations, or industry partnerships where different terms may apply.
Researchers are encouraged to first assess their code and software for potential commercial value. If commercial potential is identified, a Technology Disclosure (TD) should be submitted to NTUitive. For code and software with commercial value submitted via TD, NTUitive recommends the use of its Dual License template. This license permits free use for research and non-commercial purposes, while commercial use requires a commercial license issued by NTU.
Research software includes source code files, algorithms, scripts, computational workflows and executables that were created during the research process or for a research purpose. Reference.
How is Research Software and Code different from Data?
Software is a tool that performs tasks; data represents facts or observations.
Software reflects subjective choices and may evolve with new methods; data is static evidence once collected.
Software is executable; data is not.
Software depends on other software to run eg. compilers and editors; data does not depend on other data.
Software changes more frequently and typically has a shorter lifecycle than data. Reference.
Please contact NTU Research Data Management if you have any questions on licensing research software and code or suggestions for this LibGuide.
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