Guide on 'How to Effectively Network/Communicate in International R&D; Projects' – 2nd edition

download PDF

What is 'networking' all about? Are networking and communication different issues? How about 'social interaction', is this also a part of the networking process, or is this a synonym of networking? How to asses if our networking skills are sufficient, or should be upgraded? How to make a quick diagnostic of our networking potential, i.e. our willingness and ability to share knowledge and experience on one hand, and to learn from others’ experience, on the other hand? How to encourage networking and knowledge sharing? How to create networking culture? How to translate the term 'networking', after all?

The first edition of this Networking Guide has been widely used by researchers not only from Russia, but also from other countries of Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the EU. E-versions of the Guide have been posted on many websites of FP7 projects, and also on the websites of R&D; organisations and programmes. The Guide is used for educational purposes at universities and for trainings on the participation in international research projects. It is also recommended for professionals in the technology transfer area.

The present Guide, developed under the project BILAT-RUS-Advanced, advances the first edition.

Part 1 of the Guide is an updated and extended version of the first edition. It is designed so that the target audience – with lack of networking skills – could significantly improve their networking skills following the practical recommendations. Two additional networking skills and relevant 'how to' recommendations have been added – 'Organising efficient brainstorming meetings' and 'Using social media'.

Part 2 is a new one; it contains the findings of the BILAT-RUS-Advanced project. It considers various tools for establishing and supporting knowledge networks, for which the networking skills are absolutely essential and integrated into these tools.