1. Proposal to establish a Meta- Network in the FE Sector
Norman Crowther
and
John Lea

2. Current state of play
There are many networks dedicated to key aspects of FE
There are many associations, professional bodies, networks who all have an interest in promoting research evidence and culture in FE
Many of the bodies and networks often have similar products: blogs, research reports, events, support for research activity, publications
Research and research activity have commonalities around methodology, philosophy, application, implementation, and comparative findings that benefit researchers, policy makers and practitioners
Each area of work has produced real expertise in particular fields and interests

3. The Proposal
To bring together and showcase common aspects and interests of each network within the design of a meta- network
To advance the opportunities of practitioners accessing research evidence, activity and further contacts
To work toward a sustainable infrastructure that could support the autonomy of networks and the shifting mosaic of shared interests
To share common principles of purpose and collaboration

4. Benefits of a Meta-Network?
Potential to develop a centre of gravity for FE expertise and research interests
Enable a profile for, and enhancement of, a knowledgeable learning culture that is visible to government, public and media interests
Accelerate a professional ethos by articulating the distinctive expertise found in the sector
Make projects, reports, policies or campaigns more visible that further the meta-network (Sharpening interest in what Claes Klasander (PD Network for STEM, Freiburg) has termed the ‘transformation arena.’).

5. Examples of Meta-Networks
Similar propositions have found agreement in the Tech industry such as Co-Tech and Our Way Ahead, a meta-network of several member groups across the UK
These groups show the interest in meta-network activity for fragmented communities and SME
Co-Tech have built their network with extensive use of new online tools which benefit virtual communities, such as:
community.coops.tech - useful for public discussions.
loomio.org - useful for decision making

6. Some Questions to consider
Would a meta network be able to offer something concrete which does not currently exist?
Would it be possible to articulate a set of principles which all current stakeholder groups could agree on – or are there different interests at stake?
Could this meta function be administered by an existing group or would it require a separate form of administration?