The Decentralized Archival Resource Key (dARK) - from a Proof of Concept to a Service Implementation in the Brazilian Open Science Ecosystem

The Decentralized Archival Resource Key (dARK) project addresses challenges faced by institutions in the Global South regarding persistent identifier (PID) systems, including high costs and reliance on centralized models. dARK is a decentralized, scalable, and cost-effective solution operating on a blockchain-based infrastructure, ensuring compatibility with existing PID systems like DOIs while fostering equitable access to scholarly communication resources. In 2024, dARK transitioned from proof of concept to its first production phase, integrating with Brazil's Oasisbr, a federated platform aggregating over 5 million digital objects. During the pilot phase, 400,000 objects received dARK identifiers, marking significant progress toward the goal of full coverage. Key innovations, such as hyperdrive middleware for metadata transfer and integration with the ARK Alliance's global resolver, enhance discoverability and ensure long-term PID preservation. This presentation explores dARK's evolution, technological advancements, and its transformative impact on the open science ecosystem, inviting stakeholders to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable scholarly communication model.