| In
the previous analysis of relations within and across European networks
only one medium of communication was mentioned: conferences or similar
events facilitating face-to-face meetings. These play a part in all the
networks included in this sample. However, in view of the transnational
nature of European networks, virtual communication via email or other electronic
means is just as important. A common tool for this form of communication
are mailing lists.
As
part of the CEDRA activities, a mailing list (ERO-Call) was set up three
year ago, intended to facilitate communication between European VET researchers.
The list is based on self-subscription, which means that the enrolement
can only be partly influenced. ERO-Call, now comprising about 400 members,
has proved to be a successful means of communication (about 50 messages
per year). The point of interest, in the light of the network analysis,
is to what extent this list may support communication across various networks.
The
above figure can make the following points clear:
-
there
is only a partial overlap between the ERO-Call members and the network
participants, the majority of both groups being separate from each
other;
-
while
half of the core participants (definition see figure
22) belong to the list, only a fifth of the other network participants
are included.
This breakdown
suggests that ERO-Call can only play a limited role in cross-network communication.
In particular, it cannot compensate for the lack of individual network
lists (for instance ECER/ VETNET). The solution, though, would not be to
establish a comprehensive list covering all networks (which, in any case,
exceed the sample of this analysis). Rather, a relatively small interactive
list involving lots of core network participants could play a multiplier
role, with information being drawn from and passed on to individual networks. |
