What West Arete’s Project Is All About
West Arete is all about software development for positive impact. They create software specifically for impact-driven organizations that need more than just functionality—they want trust, quality, and a shared sense of mission. Their focus is on Research Information Management (RIM) ecosystems, helping universities and institutions get the most out of their existing RIM investments. It’s not just about building another system; it’s about creating a connected ecosystem that actually works for everyone involved.
The Main Benefit of West Arete’s Approach
Here’s what makes their approach stand out:
- BCorp score of 96.8, reflecting strong commitment to social and environmental performance.
- Expertise in Web Development, Mobile Development, Custom Software, and Higher Education.
- Focus on leveraging existing RIM systems and data sources rather than replacing them.
- Three-layer solutions stack that adapts to the institution’s preferred level of engagement.
- Universities retain ownership of their intellectual property, including software.
Understanding the Research Information Management Challenge
Several years ago, West Arete noticed a big gap in how universities were using their RIM systems. Sure, the data was there, and investments had been made in commercial or open-source tools—but the information was often incomplete or inconsistent. People and operations weren’t really benefiting from the systems they had. The problem wasn’t just technology; it was about how different groups collaborated and shared information. West Arete realized that a product-centric approach wasn’t enough. Instead, successful solutions look more like ecosystems—complex, interconnected, and collaborative.
How West Arete Builds Research Ecosystems
West Arete’s philosophy is that technology alone can’t solve everything. A big part of the work involves frameworks and methods that bring different groups together to collaborate in new ways. The foundation—the “lower layers”—needs to be driven by innovative applications at the top that support strategic initiatives, provide intelligence, and reduce operational burdens. Their offerings are designed to meet institutions where they are, whether that means advising, assisting, or fully managing the process. It’s about creating holistic research ecosystems that align with a university’s strategic plan and bring the right stakeholders to the table.
Core Solutions Offered by West Arete
West Arete’s solutions cover three main areas:
- Research Intelligence: Powerful tools to boost productivity and help institutions make smarter decisions.
- Research Information Management: Easy-to-use solutions to keep research data organized and accessible.
- Data Governance: Comprehensive methodologies to secure and streamline data management.
These aren’t just standalone systems—they’re designed to work together, creating a seamless experience that supports the entire research ecosystem.
Project Impact: Linking to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Enhancing higher education through better research management.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Driving innovation in research information systems.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Fostering collaboration across university departments and stakeholders.
Why Organizational Change Matters as Much as Technology
West Arete understands that technology is only part of the equation. Fostering organizational change and encouraging cross-silo cooperation is just as crucial. Their solutions don’t just deliver software—they create environments where different parts of an institution can work together effectively. This holistic approach ensures that the technology actually gets used and delivers real value, aligning with the university’s mission and strategic goals. It’s about making sure everyone involved benefits, not just ticking a box for a new system.
