Practice Abstract - Research and innovation

How to ensure long-term maintenance of a knowledge platform?

It is crucial to think about the impact of the outcomes of your Thematic Network already at the beginning of your project, during the conceptualisation phase. A digital knowledge platform can help build a self-sustaining, motivated TN community and allows actors within the network to stay connected, but you need to consider its long-term maintenance. In the case of the online platform Organic Farm Knowledge (https://organic-farmknowledge.org/), an Action Plan was developed to ensure the further development and long-term continuation of the platform. It outlines the management and funding model as well as the operational tasks in the areas development, coordination, and evaluation/planning. To ensure platform maintenance, focus on:

• Using the platform for learning and communication, e.g., end-user testimonies, promotion of events, publication of outputs, presentation of technical content, and references to other info sources;

• Linking to existing networks and educational initiatives from local to international level;

• Engaging local end-user groups such as Operational Groups;

• Keeping your TN website alive after the end of the project (including the regular update of linked projects);

• Keeping the network alive through social media; and

• Diversifying the sources of income, combining public and private streams (for example national governments, foundations, companies and/or end users themselves).

Before creating a new platform, consider having your project’s results displayed on an existing website or database to leverage end user traffic, for example EIP-AGRI: https://ec.europa.eu/eip/agriculture/en

Working with EURAKNOS & EUREKA to develop a common, EU-wide knowledge reservoir: https://h2020eureka.eu/

Source Project
EURAKNOS
Ongoing | 2019-2021
Main funding source
Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
Geographical location
Belgium
Project details

Project Keywords