Practice Abstract - Research and innovation

Training method: Network analysis

Training method: Network analysis

The Network Analysis is one of the diagnostic tools used during i2connect training of trainers courses. It helps to analyse which actors are needed to make change possible, and to what degree they are involved.
This analysis leads to set priorities for working on improving relationships. Using this approach implies answering to the following questions about the initiative; the carriers; the factors; the actors and the link: i) What is the shared ambition of the “We” network? ii) Which persons feel responsible for bringing the initiative further? iii) Which factors could determine success? iv) Who needs to move? Which actors have influence over the key factors? v) Which persons are approachable for carriers to make connection to these actors?. It is important to consider that institutions and positions of power play a role in any innovation process, but people are not equal to the institutions they represent. 
The network analysis seeks opportunities to build warm networks between people who eventually can make things move from the inside. 
It is therefore important to identify persons instead of institutions. These persons might be interesting for the initiative because of the position they have within their institutions. Things will move when formal decisions are being taken after the cold process. But prior to this, the warm process needs to take place for making a chance for success. For applying the network analysis is reccomended to follow the next steps: i) Take a large flipchart or wall paper; ii) Use Post-Its or carton cards in the colours as indicated above; iii) Fill in the cards following the questions, and place them on the flipchart as indicated in the picture; iv) Discuss who can approach which links in the near future.

The Network Analysis is one of the diagnostic tools used during i2connect training of trainers courses. It helps to analyse which actors are needed to make change possible, and to what degree they are involved.
This analysis leads to set priorities for working on improving relationships. Using this approach implies answering to the following questions about the initiative; the carriers; the factors; the actors and the link: i) What is the shared ambition of the “We” network? ii) Which persons feel responsible for bringing the initiative further? iii) Which factors could determine success? iv) Who needs to move? Which actors have influence over the key factors? v) Which persons are approachable for carriers to make connection to these actors?. It is important to consider that institutions and positions of power play a role in any innovation process, but people are not equal to the institutions they represent. 
The network analysis seeks opportunities to build warm networks between people who eventually can make things move from the inside. 
It is therefore important to identify persons instead of institutions. These persons might be interesting for the initiative because of the position they have within their institutions. Things will move when formal decisions are being taken after the cold process. But prior to this, the warm process needs to take place for making a chance for success. For applying the network analysis is reccomended to follow the next steps: i) Take a large flipchart or wall paper; ii) Use Post-Its or carton cards in the colours as indicated above; iii) Fill in the cards following the questions, and place them on the flipchart as indicated in the picture; iv) Discuss who can approach which links in the near future.

Source Project
i2connect - Connecting advisers to boost interactive innovation in agriculture and forestry
Ongoing | 2019-2024
Main funding source
Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
Geographical location
France
Project details

Project Keywords