Network Building

Developing a network of supporters and people interested in your work is useful for individuals, research projects and departments or research groups. Network building is the effort applied to increase the size, activity or intensity of a part of the whole of the network.

Identify stakeholders (see Stakeholder Mapping Tool)
Identify core and peripheral members and network animators (those that facilitate engagement and bring other people into the network)
Plan to engage network members at key stages of the impact process
Networks work best when relationships are reciprocal so identify how you can support and reward network members

Barriers

Developing a network requires investment of time up front, which can be hard to justify until you demonstrate value.

Technology is often low cost, but it does require an investment of time to develop skills and maintain network engagement.

Requires regular input and engagement to maintain momentum.

Can become large and unwieldy and overwhelming if you try to include all members at all times.

Enablers

Network members can add insights to your work and act as a litmus test for new ideas.

Your network will help spread the reach and impact of your work, raising your individual / project / organisational profile

Funders will fund network activity if you justify it’s inclusion and the benefits it will provide your project.

Low cost technology is readily available to support networking (e.g. social media) in addition to face-to-face meetings.

Required Skills, Competencies or Resources

Openness and attention to detail

Mapping your network - visually or using software - can help you manage contacts

Active participation in a range of networks is likely to raise your profile and build your own network, but it takes time

What to Measure?

Number of new stakeholders in your network

Understanding of network priorities, interests and drivers

Reciprocal relationships where network members proactively involve you

Network Building

Barriers

Enablers

Required Skills, Competencies or Resources

What to Measure?

Can be integrated at the following stages of the research process: