Abstract of K4C proposal

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Call: FP7/Cooperation/Environment/ENV.2008.4.2.2.1. - Engaging civil society in research on Sustainable Development Indicators (Research for the Benefit of Specific Group: CSOs)

Knowledge for change (K4C)
Measuring society’s learning toward more sustainable food chains

Abstract

EU environmental policy was born in the early 70s but largely overlooked related governance and educational issues until the 2000s. Sustainable development indicators still rely almost exclusively on material flows and neglect governance and cognition, even though the Lisbon agenda champions the course toward sustainable development and a knowledge-based society. This course relies increasingly on civil society organisations (CSOs) and their role in voicing societal concerns and increasing the societal relevance of research. This course is also hindered by the lack of tools for measuring policy effectiveness, institutional integration and learning. To fulfil their pivotal knowledge hub role, CSOs require increased research opportunities.

The project's objective is to augment CSO research capacity and to collaboratively develop original knowledge indicators relevant to the European Sustainable Development Strategy. Besides the overall management (WP1) and the preparation phase (WP2: indicators inception), activities in each targeted domain (agro-biodiversity: WP3, mountain products: WP4, pesticides: WP5) will follow a common sequence entailing:

• identification of focused topics and stakes;
• review of existing codified knowledge and learning tools;
• testing of tacit knowledge through survey tools;
• analysis of knowledge gaps.

Indicators tested will provide qualitative and quantitative information on the use of knowledge in specific potentially eco-innovative contexts, and help monitor learning effectiveness. Beside the dissemination of research results via traditional means, the project will establish a learning platform (WP6) for testing innovative learning modules addressing identified needs and tailored to specific audiences. The project will encourage CSOs to prepare research proposals (WP7), building on identified policy, knowledge and indicators issues. The project's activities and results will durably enhance CSOs' research capacity.

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