- European Commission
- DGs
- Education_culture
- Valorisation
- Dissemination and exploitation of results
Dissemination and exploitation
of results of our programmes
Writing a dissemination and exploitation plan
Dissemination – what should a plan cover?
Essentially, dissemination is about providing useful information about project results, and raising awareness about the existence of those results.
Project teams need to think about how they can generate interaction and publicity from the start of their work – certainly it would not be good practice to wait until a project has finished before commencing with dissemination activities.
A dissemination plan could therefore include provision for most or all of the following:
- Project website – including design, hosting and management
- Straightforward, ‘start-up’ leaflet explaining project aims in all partner languages
- A database of key project personnel/contacts, which can be updated as the project progresses
- Production and publication of regular printed and/or electronic newsletters – many EU-funded projects produce final reports in brochure form or an extensive project book containing all major results and outcomes
- Dissemination conferences, seminars, workshops and meetings to coincide with key project milestones. A final conference to discuss dissemination of results has become a popular end-of-project activity
- Public relations activities, to include writing and distribution of press releases/packs, placing of articles in relevant trade journals, etc. Items must be newsworthy to receive unpaid-for publicity – it is worth remembering that news media has no duty to publish press releases, whole or in part
Dissemination plans should emphasise the need for all partners to take an active role in spreading the news about the project in their own spheres and countries. This is a great way of producing a multiplier effect. Partners can use existing lines of communications and their own reputation to raise awareness – this should also stimulate new and perhaps unexpected contacts with potential end users.
A good plan can also help the whole team arrange major events such as a dissemination conference well in advance. When planning for large, complex international events, it is important to allocate tasks clearly, define a budget and let potential attendees know well in advance.