Digital Interoperability and Research Dissemination in Architecture and the Built Environment

Abstract

Digital interoperability plays a critical role in enhancing the dissemination, accessibility, and usability of scholarly research across architecture and the built environment. However, fragmented digital access systems across academic publishing platforms continue to create barriers for researchers, limiting seamless interaction with scholarly resources. This study investigates how digital interoperability influences research dissemination by examining the structure and functionality of log-in systems within academic publishing ecosystems, using Elsevier journal platforms as a case study. The study employed a systematic literature review to identify the key factors influencing log-in system design, alongside the challenges and benefits associated with Single Sign-On (SSO) implementation. In addition, a case study of 176 Elsevier journals was conducted to evaluate the extent of interoperability across journal platforms and their capacity to support unified access mechanisms. Findings reveal a significant lack of SSO integration across the examined journals, resulting in fragmented access pathways that may hinder efficient knowledge dissemination and user engagement. Key factors shaping log-in system design include identity management frameworks, protocol standards, security requirements, and application design structures. The study further identifies major implementation challenges related to security, policy frameworks, integration complexity, and user experience, while highlighting the benefits of interoperable systems in improving accessibility, operational efficiency, and user satisfaction. The study concludes that strengthening digital interoperability within academic publishing infrastructures is essential for advancing research dissemination, fostering interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, and improving accessibility to built environment scholarship.