Supporting Knowledge Flows in Networks Heather Creech Terri Willard

Strategic planning, capacity assessment, evaluation –International Forum for Rural Transportation and Development (IFRTD); International Fund for Agriculture and Rural Development; Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network –Partnership for Clean Indoor Air; Global Village Energy Partnership; The SEED Initiative –The Netcorps International Coalition; KyotoSmart IISD’s work with networks, partnerships, coalitions

Capacities assessment Sustainability –Financing –Relevance Policy impacts –How can networks have more influence/impact? Some current issues of interest

Animation and facilitation –Defining roles and responsibilities with network members –role of young professionals Regular, planned interaction –Electronic newsletters –Learning events (e.g., using Netmeeting) Building and refreshing social capital –Surveys, polls –Profiles of members –Connecting the personal and the professional How to assess whether and where knowledge sharing is taking place –What to look for –Social network analysis Sharing knowledge within a network

Understanding where the energy lies within a network –Purpose –People IFRTD Capacity assessment –Where the network wants to be stronger Influencing / impact strategies Moving knowledge beyond the network

Decisions or changes the network seeks to influence Who? What? How? Monitoring and assessment Identify and define key relationships What do the key actors need to know? What research exists; what new knowledge is needed Consultations; training; publishing; media, etc. When? Timing Issue cycles Where? At what level of government or geographic area? Key messages

Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network UNEP Integrated Environmental Assessment National IEA process groups National Sustainable Development Strategies network Circumpolar Youth Some applications of this approach