D9.6 Dissemination and Communication Plan (year 3)

This document introduces the VICINITY project dissemination and communication strategy (DACs) and its implementation plan to be used by the consortium to ensure the high visibility, accessibility and promotion of the project and its results during the grant period. The goal is also to create a solid foundation for the efficient exploitation of the project results after the end of the project. These DACs will be a reference framework for evaluating the impact of communication and dissemination activities and will be updated and adjusted as the project progresses.

 

To ensure maximal impact of dissemination and communication activities, VICINITY will focus on communicating the potential of interoperability scope to a clearly defined target audience. These specific activities will address the general public to raise awareness on the project and its achievements. The communication activities will also target key stakeholders that have a relevant role in fields and activities that are undertaken by the project.

Considering the technical nature of VICINITY, special attention must also be made to simplify the message, and be very clear about when, how and what should be communicated to who by asking questions as demonstrated in

Figure 1 . The VICINITY DACS has therefore been structured in a way that should be readable and offer easy access to methods and tools that can be used for both internal and external communication. Various sections cover a wide area ranging from roadmaps, dissemination objectives and KPIs to stakeholders, methods, role assignment and prioritising.

Several new sections have been added to this document. Major changes are found in chapter 3: Dissemination tools and channels where chapter 3.1: VICINITY Open Calls is an important addition. The content of this chapter is reflected in many sections and tables throughout the document. How to inform and engage is considered an essential part of the upcoming communication strategies.

Furthermore, more emphasis has been put on VICINITYs work within standardisation bodies. Value-added services have also received some more attention, considering D9.6 will cover a period of VICINITY where integration at test pilot sites will gain traction and catch the eyes of the public.

This document also demonstrates how the knowledge of the participants and understanding of the project has matured. VICINITY has participated or been present in many meetups and conferences.  Through discussions and feedback, communication of the VICINITY concept has gradually become streamlined, which is being presented in section 4.5.4 and 4.5.5.

The media kit and other dissemination sources like rollups, videos, websites and brochures/handouts have received several upgrades, which is presented in section 4.7 and 4.8. Other changes have been related to change of contact persons, cleaning up activities that are not relevant anymore and adjusting dates and figures where deemed necessary.

Summarised it can be said that this updated DACS has improved and presents:

  • Dissemination strategy, tools and channels
  • Communication charts, tools and activities
  • Design profiles, graphic and textual material
  • An unambiguous list with contacts and responsibilities
  • An annex with extensive lists and examples of dissemination material
     

The DACS will rely heavily on and influence other deliverables and is considered a living document.  The objective is to accommodate for expected and mandatory use of human resources and communication material. The process of preparing for events and publications as there always will be a number of lessons that are expected to be learned during the lifecycle of the project.