Practice Abstract - Research and innovation

How to keep a network alive after its end?

During a thematic network, a lot of outputs are produced and are often hosted in a dedicated website or platform, namely a knowledge reservoir (for example : http://www.winetwork-data.eu/en/gb/default.asp#). After a network ends, there is no more funding or dedicated time and activity, so maintaining the platform is difficult. Who pays for website maintenance? For how long? A TN cannot commit to sustainability despite the desire to perpetuate the knowledge acquired. To keep the platform functional after the project ends, the platform must be hosted on an existing information site which is intended to last over time, and which can be financed in other ways. When the platform is independent, content may be preserved in the EUREKA platform (https://h2020eureka.eu/).



Furthermore, a network lives by a continuous flow of information. This flow must be backed up and regularly fed. After a network ends, partners must disseminate documents produced in the framework of the project work by their own means.

Synergies with other projects and other websites need to be created during the network’s life. It will allow the dissemination to continue even after the project ends, by disseminating project results on other websites and within new networks.



Using social networks is an easy way to keep a network alive. Indeed, it's easy to retweet and like interesting information. Continuous activity on social network will keep the end-users involved in the project and its topic.



Finally, partners should continue to participate in workshops and conferences to share their experience in the project, disseminate results and encourage their peers to lead thematic networks.

A project stays alive thanks to the quality of the outputs, its continuous flow of information and its reputation in the scientific and industry communities and beyond.

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

Project Keywords