Knowledge Exchange
The Knowledge Exchange office opened in September 2005. The Knowledge Exchange aims to foster co-operation and collaboration between the four partner organisations (JISC, Danmark's Elektroniske Fag-og Forskningsbibliotek (DEF), Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, Germany) and SURF Foundation (The Netherlands) to: A formal agreement between JISC (UK), DFG (Germany), DEF (Denmark), and SURF Foundation (The Netherlands)was signed in June 2005, establishing this pan-European initiative Add genuine value to currently funded activities
- Increase returns on investment in ICT
- Improve infrastruture in the partner countries
- Enhance shared knowledge and collaboration possibilities
- Improve the quality of learning, teaching and research
The work of Knowledge Exchange focuses on:
- Analysing current approaches and national differences in funding, research and education policy
- Identifying and stimulating joint activities, projects and programmes
- Providing new and high profile avenues for knowledge exchange and dissemination, thus raising the profile of national and European research and development
- Functioning as a point of contact for other organisations which are attempting to co-ordinate national activities in parallel areas
- Facilitating joint policy development and identification of best practices
Knowledge Exchange structure
The Knowledge Exchange is led by a Board, constituted by two representatives from each of the funding partners, led by a Chair from the host country (Denmark).
Knowledge Exchange board members
- Gert Bechlund: University Director, Copenhagen Business School (chair)
- Bo Öhrström: Deputy Director, Danish National Library Authority/ DEFF, Denmark
- Svend Larsen: Library Director, the State and University Library, Denmark
- Sigrun Eckelmann: Programme Director, DFG, Germany
- Gerhard Schneider: Director, Computing Centre RZ, University of Freiburg, Germany
- Norman Wiseman: Head of Services and Outreach, JISC, United Kingdom
- Helen Hayes: Vice Principal for Knowledge Management & University Librarian
- Bas Cordewener: International Relations Manager, SURF, the Netherlands
- Gerard van Westrienen: Assistant Manager Platform ICT & Research, SURF, the Netherlands
The operational activities of the Knowledge Exchange are supported by a National Representative from each participating nation.
National representatives 
- DFG, Germany: Max Vogler
- DEF, Denmark: Hanne M. Kværndrup
- JISC, UK: Louisa Dale
- SURF, Netherlands: Bas Cordewener
Key JISC contact
If you have a question about JISC’s partnership with the Knowledge Exchange, please contact: JISC Partnership Manager: Louisa Dale
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