Work-in-NET: General Information

Work-in-NET: General information

The Work-in-NET is a network of diverse agencies and organisations controlling research programs. The network collects and disseminates information on national or regional investigations of work related innovations. Much of the research has an applied character. The Dutch National Centre for Social Innovation (NCSI) became a partner in this European network. In October 2004 the Work-in-NET was established for five years. It is a part within the ERA-NET program of the European Union.

Motivation
For the realisation of the Lisbon strategy of 2000, anticipating that Europe would be the strongest economy in the world, innovative interactions of all stakeholders and the developed of extensive coalitions were considered to be vital. The success of this strategy depends on many factors. Innovative IT-applications are obviously required, but innovative company strategies and new organisational principles are crucial as well. In order to meet the requirements of the knowledge economy of the 21st century, it is essential that the quality of work increases, the workers’ creativity enhances, and that a new balance in the social security and the flexibility of organisations are realised. 

Goals
The goals of Work-in-NET is the realisation of sustainable communication and collaboration in Europe between the, yet fragmented, national and regional research activities in the field of work related innovation issues. The coordinator of Work-in-NET (the German Ministry for Education and Research) takes care for the exchange, collection, analyses and dissemination of information in the field of work related innovations. This must ensure that transnational initiatives will be started in the future.
In line with the Lisbon strategy and the European strategic guidelines the aims of the ERA-NET-project “Work-in-NET" are:
•           Increasing knowledge, creativity and motivation of people in the working             world.
•           Supporting companies to be a source for new ideas, successful             products and increased employment.
•           Building networks and cooperatives, which provide new opportunities for             productivity and work. 
•           Learn from each other how a national program of (applied) research can             be managed.

Action topics
The national and regional partners in the Work-in-NET arrange their most important activities in a step-by-step process. In this, both employers’ organisations and unions are involved, next to public organisations and research institutes.
Start: exchange of information. By introducing mutual electronic communication channels, national and regional partners exchange information systematically about their research. Next, indicators for the description of programs and research processes have been developed. 
Second stage: strategic activities. In three thematic working groups similarities and differences between national research programs are identified. So, key issues have been developed for an integrated innovation strategy.
Third stage: joint activities. A joint action plan for areas of mutual interest is developed. This includes a joint database and infrastructure, as well as foresight and impact studies on future challenges for European development goals.
Final stage: transnational activities. The strategic and joint activities will result in sustainable structures to continue the work with bilateral and multilateral R & D activities (in the field of innovation strategies based on sustainable employment in Europe).

Website Work-in-NET: www.workinnet.org

Overview Work-in-NET partners: https://www.workinnet.org/5.htm

Coordination: https://www.workinnet.org/8.htm

Overview publications: https://www.workinnet.org/10.htm