About EUKN

About EUKN

EUKN is characterised by a demand-driven approach, based on the needs of urban practitioners and policymakers. EUKN has developed an extensive, high-quality knowledge database, based on shared standards and protocols. This extensive e-library provides free access to case studies, research results, policy documents, context issues, network descriptions, updated news and meetings.

Over the past five years, EUKN has proven itself to be an efficient one-stop urban shop, providing city practitioners, policy makers, project managers and other users with high quality urban knowledge and experiences. At the same time, EUKN is more than a virtual knowledge network. It constitutes an international platform stimulating the exchange of knowledge and experiences during international and national meetings, and offering topical dossiers, expert opinions and specific practical assistance through the National Focal Points of the network and support for EU Presidencies.

Mission Statement

EUKN is the prime network for urban policy makers, practitioners and researchers throughout Europe offering high quality knowledge and services which inspire them to make cities a better place to live, work and play.

Vision Statement

EUKN is a self-sustainable, intergovernmental knowledge network with national focal points in all EU Member States, acting as a knowledge hub for existing networks of urban practitioners, researchers and policy-makers at all governmental levels.

Key products

• eLibrary for urban professionals: EUKN’s interactive European portal website offers a comprehensive knowledge base containing more than 5,000 validated documents on urban research, policy and practice. In addition, the National Focal Point websites provide country and context-specific knowledge in their national eLibraries;
  
  
• Topical dossiers on urban priority policy areas: EUKN maintains topical dossiers on issues such as demographic change, integration and local economic development;
  
  
• Conferences: EUKN facilitates face-to-face contact through national and international meetings and conferences;
  
  
• Interviews: Every month, EUKN interviews key stakeholders who give their expert opinion on an urban topic;
  
  
• Research and Practice Review and National Newsletters: EUKN published a bi-weekly European newsletter on one of the seven main knowledge domains, and most National Focal Points publish a monthly national newsletter;
  
  
• News and meetings: EUKN’s website gives an overview of recent development and the most important meetings on urban issues;

EUKN’s main themes

EUKN focuses on the following main themes

• social inclusion & integration;
  
• housing;
• transport & infrastructure;
• urban environment;
• economy, knowledge & employment;
• security & crime prevention;
• skills & capacity building.
  
  

The eLibrary contains four types of documents:

• descriptions of best or proven practices;
• summaries of practical research;
• descriptions of successful policies;
• descriptions of relevant networks.
  
  

The EUKN e-library offers demand-driven knowledge. Feedback from EUKN users is essential. Please share your comments, questions and suggestions with us.