Knowledge networks

What to look for in a network assessment Every network arises in response to a unique set of circumstances: the challenges it proposes to address, the organizations and individuals available and interested in working together, and the resources available to support the work. [...] The next step in building a strategic plan should therefore be the identification of the relationships the network needs to build and foster: • those who are in positions to make the decision or effect the changes; • those who can influence the decision-makers directly; • those in civil society who can bring pressure to bear on decision-makers; • those who can support, reinforce and strengthen its [...] The network must articulate what knowledge is to be provided by the network, ranging from the identification, analysis and packaging of existing knowledge to the generation of new ideas, concepts and applications through research and field work. [...] But it is not yet common practice to actually document a “terms of reference” for the coordinator, or to have the network members evaluate the performance of the coordinator. [...] This area of investigation usually focuses on the tasks of the coordinator, and the organization responsible for the accounts of the network.