Presentation Mart Lisbon

European UrbanKnowledge Network: 

European Urban Knowledge Network Michel Visser Mart Grisel EUKN Workshop Lisbon, 9 February 2006

The primary objective isto strengthen European cities by exchanging knowledge: 

The primary objective is to strengthen European cities by exchanging knowledge To benefit European collaboration and to stimulate the success and competitive position of sustainable European cities… …through the exchange of relevant urban knowledge and experience.

The network connects 15Member States, EUROCITIES and URBACT: 

The network connects 15 Member States, EUROCITIES and URBACT Initiative during Dutch EU Presidency in 2004 Launch 27 October 2005 15 NFP websites English website & multilingual search 500-700 visitors per day > 300 knowledge documents Themes Urban environment Housing Transport and infrastructure Economy: knowledge & employment Social inclusion and integration Security and crime prevention

The decentralised networkis demand-driven by national focal points: 

The decentralised network is demand-driven by national focal points

Crucial role National Focal Points: 

Crucial role National Focal Points

Support by the EUKN Secretariat: 

Support by the EUKN Secretariat

The added value is to bridgethe gap between science and research : 

The added value is to bridge the gap between science and research Research information for practitioners Relevant European databases are connected One stop-shop for end-users Quality and validation assurance Efficient and cost-effective use of knowledge Next steps… European research council Deepening of knowledge with present partners Inclusion of all EU member states Connection with research programmes Knowledge exchange with world-wide networks

Ten building blocks toput the EUKN in place: 

Ten building blocks to put the EUKN in place The building blocks have to be put in place in the right order to make the EUKN a solid structure. Once a block is in place, it will grow further while other blocks are realised. Sponsors, National Focal Points, the structure, and technology are the foundation On top of this foundation, the EUKN can provided services, collaborate with other networks and facilitate communities with experts Once successful, the EUKN can influence the urban agenda and the reseach agenda and become self-sustainable

1. Sponsorship: 

1. Sponsorship The countries and organisations that form the EUKN have to make sure that the EUKN has sufficient resources to make it viable. Completion Criteria: Agreement with countries to contribute financially; Agreement with countries to contribute resources to the project; Agreement to establish National Focal Points.

2. Structure: 

2. Structure The EUKN needs to put standards in place such as templates, taxonomy and working processes. Completion Criteria: Agreed templates to describe knowledge; Agreed English taxonomy; Agreement on a common language; Agreement on quality criteria.

3. Technology: 

3. Technology Completion Criteria: The search portal website is available to search for knowledge on urban policy; Initial document set available; 80% of the NFP websites up and running; NFP´s are capable of working with the CMS. The EUKN will support many, geographically disperse organisations. The use of internet technology is essential for a succesful distribution and dissemination of knowledge.

4. National Focal Points: 

4. National Focal Points The National Focal Points function as linking pins between the national community of urban professionals and the European level Completion Criteria to move on: 80% of the MS have a NFP operational in terms of allocated budget, resources, commitments from relevant organisations and communication with urban professionals. The NFP’s are ensuring a steady steady flow of relevant documents to the EUKN

5. Services: 

5. Services The EUKN will offer services to facilitate the provision and re-use of urban knowledge, e.g. examples training and support. Completion criteria: At least 5 services are operational; At least 3 services are used and valued by urban professionals.

6. Networks: 

6. Networks The EUKN will have to establish its own position in order to become a valued partner for other networks Completion Criteria: Formalized exchange agreement with 5 European networks.

7. Communities: 

7. Communities Completion Criteria: At least 3 communities are operational; The management of the communities is embedded in the EUKN organisation. The EUKN has to bring professionals and experts together arround specific areas of expertise. This will help with validation and dissimination of knowledge. To do so, new or existing, communities will work in association with the EUKN. These communities help the focal points with the knowledge dissemination and validation

8. Political Agenda: 

8. Political Agenda To become successful in the long-term, the EUKN has to provide valuable input to the political agenda on urban policy. Completion criteria: At least 5 NFP’s are providing input into the political discussion on urban policy; The EUKN provides input to the European Commission on the future of urban policy.

9. Research Agenda: 

9. Research Agenda Based on identified knowledge demands, EUKN will also stimulate and support the creation of “new” knowledge. Completion criteria: At least 5 NFP’s at are asked for input on research related to urban policy; EC research agenda on urban policy makes use of insights from EUKN on knowledge demand in urban policy; Research topics initiated by the EUKN receive funding.

10. Self-sustainable: 

10. Self-sustainable The EUKN has to become essential as a tool for improving urban policy for both the EU and the participating partners. Completion criteria: EUKN is embedded in European and national urban policy structures; Long term funding, resources and commitments available from EC, countries and associated organisations; All EU member states participate.

Currently, EUKN is putting theNFP’s in place and starts putting the next blocks in place : 

Currently, EUKN is putting the NFP’s in place and starts putting the next blocks in place 1. Sponsorship 2. Structure 3. Technology 4. National Focal Points 5. Services 6. Networks 7. Communities 8. Political Agenda 9. Research Agenda 10. Self-sustainable Beginning 2006

Slide20: 

Central search portal

Homepage Portugal: 

Homepage Portugal

Top 3 priorities Q1 + Q2 2006: 

Top 3 priorities Q1 + Q2 2006 To strengthen the National Focal Points; To expand the current knowledge base with high quality documents via NFPs and validated networks; To communicate EUKN as a useful tool for urban professionals.