Optimising cohort data in Europe

easily shared across contexts. Thus, in order to use intangible resources effectively in the coordination of cohorts, it is necessary to partly quantify and operationalise them. The important number of capabilities needed for tangible specialised resources can thus be explained by the need to give a more quantifiable and observable aspect to intangible resources. An example of such a process refers to situations where participants' motivations for consent (i.e. an intangible resource) are explicitly outlined in consent arrangements (i.e. a tangible specialized resource). This is done by specifying questions types, inserting predefined options and agreeing with the participants on the frequency they wish to be contacted. Intangible resources are thus converted into specialised tangible ones through a combination of integrative and combinative capabilities. The complete list of components with resources needed to achieve purposes of Pillar II is outlined in Table 2. Table 2. Characteristics of Pillar II

Component Resource and resource type

Capability

1) For costs and funds resources: − Combinative capabilities: divesting professional and data quality management to individual resources at the research institutions level. − Transferability and aggregation capabilities: determining the boundaries of usefulness for federated analysis. 2) For federated analysis: − Aggregation and transferability capabilities: conversion of data into a pseudonymised format while preventing data degradation. Group problem solving and decision making (integrative knowledge mechanisms): − Setting a platform with in-built opt-out and opt-in options according to ethical preferences. Appropriability mechanisms (integration): − Preserving and distributing participants' control over their data. − Setting up a governance system for research control and supervision with independent ethics evaluation of individual projects using broad consent data.

1) Costs and funds: tangible unstable and specialised resources with resource position barriers.

Federated infrastructure and analysis components

2) Federated analysis: tangible resource with limited versatility.

Broad consent: a relatively versatile resource but with intangible aspects. Includes resource position barriers and barriers to entry.

Broad consent platform