CONTEXT No cohesiveness between different observatory models No means of identifying which model is best within a certain context and function No means on their observatories to share ideas, to identify and exchange best practice to ascertain which observatory model is best for their particular user need in terms of functionality, flexibility and crucially, sustainability

THE SOLUTION PROPOSED  Holistic observatory model  Socio-economic information  Based on the needs of potentiall users  Based on web services  Integrating distance work tools  Adapted to the needs of the participating regions  Tested in the market and with its own business model

SERVICES OFFERED  The latest news on developments in the region  A database of datasets and which signposts (points) to datasets held remote from the site or holds the datasets on site  An advice service to assist with difficult queries or to advise on best practice and full online help facilities.  A database of resources such as social, economic and environmental reports with as many as possible linked to electronically across the web  Project management tools available on line  A general forum for the discussion of issues and for questions  Other tools necessary for the subscriber.

POTENTIAL CLIENTS / USERS PUBLIC SECTOR  Business Support Agencies  Local employee training agencies  Local Government Authorities  Local Learning Partnerships  Regional arm of Government of member state  Regional Assembly in the form of a democratic or quasi- democratic body  Regional Development Agency  Regional Planning Body  Technology Support Agencies PRIVATE SECTOR  Consultancies, especially those engaged in Business Development  Existing companies planning further development  Finance sector  Potential Inward Investors  Trade Associations  Transport companies  Utilities

PARTNERS East of England Development Agency (UK) IDEC –S oftware Consulting – (GR) AEDA – Athens Municipality – (GR) Toulon Var Technologies – Software Consulting – (FR) Instituto de Formación y Empleo – Municipality of Granada ((ES) Instituto Andaluz de Tecnología – (ES) Fundación para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología (ES) - Promoter

1 ANALISIS OF INFORMATION NEEDS Objective: Definition of the relevant information needs of key user groups by means of questionnaires and workshops for public and private sector representatives Result: Classification of information categories based on Dublin Core Metadata Standard PHASES

2 ANALISIS OF OPERATING CONTEXT Objective: Identification of relevant web tools to facilitate data collection, collation and analysis. Result: Identification of the most adequate technology:  Operating System : Linux.  Web Server : Apache.  Database Management System: MySQL.  Programming language: PHP. o PHASES

3 DEVELOPMENT OF THE CORE FRAMEWORK Objective: Adaptation of the platform to meet the needs of the users and their requirements. Platform = core observatory framework = equal for all partners Result: Set of Regional Observatories, using the same standard (technology and information) for data representation, based on web-based services for interoperability PHASES

4 VALIDATION Objective: Testing of the Regional Observatories and the core framework with potential users Result: Complete adaptation of platform/core framework to the user needs PHASES

5 EXPLOITATION Objective: Establishing the framework for further development of the platform and expansion of involved regions, aimed at self-sustainability Result:  Exploitation plan based on market analysis  European Association of Regional Observatories  Collaboration agreements with regional players for information providing PHASES

SUPPORTING REGIONAL POLICY 1.Provide regional information throughout Europe:  Information on the region and its policies,  Opportunity to benchmark the information to the information of the other EARO Regional Observatories, 2.Exchange good practices and experiences and use the EARO as a platform and starting point for advanced collaboration, 3.Improve regional policies,  gaining access to updated information on the region  establishing a regional network that support policy development and creation

Manon van Leeuwen Director Information Society Fundecyt mailto: Thank you for your attention