First, our analysis emphasized the importance of fostering buy-in and trust by developing the MNI open science policy from the ground-up through researcher engagement. Others have also underlined the benefits of this approach (Open Research Data Task Force, 2017). This current research, which informed the MNI’s framework, represents part of that process. Over the next five years, studies engaging the range of important stakeholders including researchers, patients, philanthropy, governments, research participants and industry partners will contribute to further refining MNI policy (Gold, 2016). It has been reported that social milieu can help overcome the reluctance to share (Haeussler, 2011). The MNI’s policy, sanctioned by all MNI researchers (Poupon et al., 2017), may enhance participation compared with situations in which researchers act without specific institutional policy, support or advocacy on their behalf. Moreover, given the emphasis on open science within the MNI, participation may raise researchers’ social capital, further encouraging a willingness to share (Haeussler, 2011). Increasing adoption of open science practices may place greater pressure on competitors to adopt the same normative practices, as this affects their status in the community (Westphal et al., 1997). Thus, MNI policy may begin to shift norms not only within the institute, but across the broader community (Fauchart and von Hippel, 2008). We will examine these hypotheses in future work.