e-Research in International Cooperation Networks in Science and Technology Research

Abstract

This chapter discusses the methodology that has been developed and the lessons learned in a case study aimed at enhancing the role of e-Research in assisting and nurturing existing and emerging Communities of Practice (CoPs) in International Cooperation in Science and Technology and Innovation Research. International Scientific and Technical Cooperation among geographically dispersed partners, possibly belonging to different economic and cultural environments, constitutes a challenging endeavour. The proposed methodology involves the application of innovative Knowledge Management (KM) strategies and processes based on the intensive use of the new e-Collaboration tools to favour the establishment of Virtual CoPs (VCoPs), a type of social networks where knowledge sharing and exchange processes occur across organizational, cultural and international boundaries. The methodology has been applied to several projects within the scope of the different European Union Programmes on Scientific and Technological Cooperation with Mediterranean Partner Countries. The chapter includes (1) An analysis of the contextual framework; (2) The design, implementation and maintenance of an Organizational KM Strategy; (3) The development of appropriate e-Collaboration tools; (4) The proposal of an assessment analysis model of the impact of these initiatives; and (5) The conclusions and lessons learned in these projects. The latter include the practical importance of some key KM issues such as mutual trust and acceptance of the e-collaboration technology-platform, the need to enhance participation efficiency and to foster members’ commitment, the complexity of the relationships within international cooperation initiatives and the key role of an effective governance mechanism for the sustainable functioning of these VCoPs.

Appendix. Glossary of Key Terms Used, Their Acronyms and Definitions

Acronym	Key term	Definition
CKO	Chief Knowledge Officer	Person responsible for the design, implementation and management of an Organizational Knowledge Management Strategy (O-KMS) aligned to the business strategy of an organization
CMS	Content Management System	In general terms, a Content Management System is a computer application used to manage workflow needed to collaboratively create, edit, review, index, search, publish, archive and retrieve various types of digital contents
CoP	Community of Practice	Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern, a set of problems, or a passion about a topic, and who deepen their knowledge and expertise in this area by interacting in an ongoing basis (Wenger et al. 2002)
CVS	Collaborative Virtual Space	On-line working area shared by VCoP members in order to develop their PRACTICE activities
INCONET	International Cooperation NET	Projects which aim, among other objectives, to foster the political dialogue and to seek synergy mechanisms for the assessment and implementation of effective cooperation policies in S&T research, development and innovation between the European Union Member States (EU-MS) and other World regions (Minch 2008)
LPP	Legitimate Peripheral Participation	Knowledge process consisting of how VCoP newcomers are welcome to participate in its Working Groups even if their positions in the social network are peripheral and their contributions marginal (Lave and Wenger 1991)
KM	Knowledge Management	A systematic process for acquiring, creating, integrating, sharing, and using information, insights, and experiences to achieve organizational goals and how to provide a disciplined and organized methodology for constant improvement and development of knowledge domains
O-KMS	Organizational Knowledge Management Strategy	Organization’s plan for modelling and applying knowledge-oriented resources (knowledge assets and knowledge processing capabilities) in the interest of supporting the organization’s purpose. This plan includes, among other activities: (1) To get a compilation of best practices, experiences, and skills (2) To oversee the concept, design, implementation and management of ICT supporting knowledge management (KM), e.g. Intranet, knowledge repositories, data warehouses, Groupware etc. (3) To globalize knowledge management, share and dissemination (transfer) and thus coordinate several existing KM initiatives as well as to measure the value of intangible assets
MPC	Mediterranean Partner Countries	The so-called Mediterranean Partner Countries are: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey, where Israel and Turkey are also Associated Countries to the Framework Programme of the European Union
NoP	Network of Practice	A type of knowledge-based social network focused on work PRACTICE which may exist primarily through electronic communication (Brown and Duguid 2000; Teigland 2003)
SKA	Shared Knowledge Artefact	It provides common resources for VCoP members to focus their collaborative PRACTICE activities and to obtain facilitative feedback from each other about the current state of these activities
VCoP	Virtual Community of Practice	A type of knowledge-based social network whose members relies primarily on networked ICT to communicate in order to: (1) discuss problems and issues associated with their day-to-day activities; (2) collaborate on projects; (3) share documents, solutions, or good (and best) practices; plan for face-to-face meetings, or continue relationships and work beyond face-to-face events
WG	Working Group	Organizational work structure whose members have to carry out specific tasks, activities and deliverables according to certain time schedules. WGs use to follow a role-oriented scheme