IL PERIMETRO DELLA NOZIONE DI «RICERCA SCIENTIFICA» NELL’ERA DIGITALE: PROFILI PROBLEMATICI

This article analyses the uncertain boundaries of the notion of “scientific research” within the European data governance framework. Despite its central role and the existence of regulatory privileges, EU instruments such as the GDPR, EHDS, AI Act, and Data Governance Act do not provide a clear or harmonised definition, relying instead on broad and flexible interpretations. The paper highlights the tensions arising from this ambiguity, particularly in balancing data protection with the needs of scientific progress, and in distinguishing between public interest research and commercially oriented activities. It argues that this fragmentation generates legal uncertainty and risks inconsistent application.