The Relevance of Videos as a Practical Tool for Communication and Dissemination in Horizon2020 Thematic Networks

Abstract

Thematic networks (TNs) are Horizon2020 projects promoted by the European Innovation Partnership Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI) that collect existing knowledge and best practices on a given theme in agriculture and forestry. Their purpose is to make these available in easily understandable formats for users such as farmers/foresters and advisors. Videos are a powerful tool for communication and dissemination about project outcomes; thus, they are frequently used as part of project activities. Despite the large number of videos that have been produced by TNs, only a few have reached a high number of views. Hence, most have not reached a wide public, decreasing the impact of TNs’ outputs. This paper analyzes several characteristics of TN videos in order to suggest best practices. That is, we investigated whether each characteristic influences the number of views or average percentage watched. Using the analysis, we suggest several best practices. For example, future TNs should show practical content prioritizing farmers as a speaker and translate videos in more than one language. Better involvement of project partners increases the contact with farmers; thus, outcomes are more easily spread, and the chance of being applied increases. To increase the visibility of videos, a user-friendly digital knowledge platform linked to demonstration activities and peer-to-peer exchange will improve the sharing of knowledge. This will further enhance a TN’s impact and sustainability in agricultural and forestry innovation in the longer term.

Shedding Light into the Need of Knowledge Sharing in H2020 Thematic Networks for the Agriculture and Forestry Innovation

“…Based on the outputs of the EURAKNOS project, video-based materials are available at a lower rate [17]. However, they are becoming more frequently used as part of project C&D activities of TNs.…”

“…Having an efficient C&D strategy also allows a TN to achieve a high impact, which is defined as the societal, economic and environmental effect that EU projects have on society [15]. However, it often happens that the produced materials are not easily findable and accessible, hence actors that can benefit from TN results are not aware of their existence [16][17][18].…”

“…In recent years, many studies regarding the importance of tools such as videos for C&D purposes were made [17,[27][28][29]. However, in the recent literature, there are no other references whether other materials that TN produce for C&D purposes are effectively used and consulted by TN users.…”

The Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) in a Changing Environment in Greece

“…Direct involvement means an interactive and practical collaboration of all actors (scientific, institutional, business, and civil society) using appropriate tools for the target [10], allowing partners to verify the activity carried out and contribute to the change process. Through the AKIS system, they are given the opportunity to collaborate, share their ideas, and turn existing knowledge and research results into innovative solutions that can be more easily implemented in practice [11].…”