BM Stiftungsprsentation Englisch

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Peter Walkenhorst Networks as an Innovative
Form of Collaboration Characteristics, Functions
and Challenges 6th CPI Networking Meeting 31st
May, 2003
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Agenda

• I. Theoretical Background
• II. The Example of TCFN
• III. Lessons Learned

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• Globalization requires that we think afresh
  about how we manage our joint activities and our
  shared interests, for many of the challenges
  confronting us today are beyond the reach of any
  state to meet on its own (...)
• Mobilizing the skills and other resources of
  diverse global actors may increasingly involve
  forming loose and temporary networks that cut
  across national, institutional and disciplinary
  lines.
• Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General

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Characteristics of Networks

Networks are loose structures in which a number
of actors cooperate in flexible and dynamic ways,
to advance a shared purpose or mission.

• Flexibility Evolutionary in nature, networks
  allow for continous learning from success and
  failures.Their structure evolves over time.
• Diversity Networks benefit from and are
  sustained by the diversity of their constituency.
• Interdependence Cooperation in networks is based
  on the premise that no participant alone can
  effectively advance the purpose of the network.

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Added Value
Networks can...

• ... facilitate the collection and dissemination
  of knowledge.
• ... discover innovative products and create
  flexible mechanisms.
• ... embody a new dynamic in the relationship
  between different actors (government, civil
  society and business).
• ... offer creative solutions to the complexity of
  global issues.
• ... serve as catalysts for urgent political and
  social reforms.

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Transatlantic Community Foundation Network
Bertelsmann Foundation with support and advice
of theCharles Stewart Mott Foundation
Mission

• The TCFN seeks to facilitate the development of
  community foundations by strengthening
  communication and interactionwith community
  foundation practitioners in the US, Canadaand
  other countries where the concept is well rooted.
• The TCFN seeks to identify good practice, develop
  tools and concepts and share them with emerging
  and existing community foundations.
• The network provides a platform for the exchange
  of experience and know-how between 46 community
  foundation experts on both sides of the Atlantic.

Goals Objectives
Structure
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Network structure
Bertelsmann Foundation with support and advice of
the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

Network Management
Advisory Committee
Working Group 1
Working Group 3
Working Group 2
Plenary Meeting
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Themes of the working groupsPhase II

• Community leadership - Non-grantmaking roles of
  community foundations
• Raising the visibility of the community
  foundation concept
• Organizational development and effectiveness

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Challenges of Networks

• ! Networks need sound procedural standards,
  common terms of engagement and effective
  coordination.
• ! Process Management and the implementation of
  results require long-term commitment and
  constant communication.
• ! Inclusiveness Inclusion of a full range of
  stakeholders. Careful selection of members.
• ! Language barriers Discourse dominated by
  native English speakers (USA/ Canada).

Networks evolve over time and are learning
institutions
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Three Management principles for Networks

• Coordination Successful network coordination
  entails mediating among highly diverse
  organizational cultures and participants. It is
  crucial to establish common ground across
  wide-ranging interests.
• Leadership Motivate and mobilize diverse actors
  in the pursuit of the common goals. Good
  leaderhsip strives for operational transparcency,
  inclusiveness and effective communication.
• Trust Invest time and money in efforts that
  foster and preserve trust among the members.
  Undertake consultations and spend time at the
  outset of a network.