ISSUE 3

The Commonwealth Knowledge Network

The Commonwealth Secretariat (Science and Technology Division) and COMNET-IT are pleased to announce the launch of the Commonwealth Knowledge Network (CKN). Such a network, by use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), has been mandated following an recent operations review of the Commonwealth Science Council (CSC). The CKN is seen to be a key component in the delivery of scientific services to CSC members and in the empowerment of those members. The network will help the CSC to move from prescriptive programmes to providing conduits for direct membership interaction. Whilst the emphasis will be problem-solving, the knowledge-bank will also contain data on institutions, skills, competencies, technologies and technical services in Commonwealth countries.

In recent meetings between Dr. Ken Lum (director) and Programme Managers from the Science and Technology Division, a number of actions were agreed upon. These will lead to the development of internet-based services incorporating:

• a pilot CKN embracing an initial number of national science and technology web-sites and thematic content
• document repositories that will be in the public domain or restricted to members
  links to other relevant networks and web-sites
• thematic or problem related discussion groups

In addition, COMNET-IT will develop standard templates to aid those authorities which are short of technical facilities to fast-track the setting up of their own presence on the internet and in the CKN electronic community. Such web-sites will be hosted on the central CKN web-server.

The initial version of the CKN will be launched at the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in South Africa in November. COMNET-IT’s interest in this project goes beyond the technical assistance. The strong complementarity between these two bodies provides a sound foundation for this strategic partnership.