It is challenging to make project results visible and usable, particularly after the conclusion of a project. In a research project, the entire consortium collaborates to delve into the initial question, develop technical equipment, and contribute to problem-solving. While technical devices can be sold and marketed post-project, the fate of the acquired knowledge and numerous insights remains uncertain.
The difficulty in sharing knowledge heightened after the global shift to remote work during the Covid pandemic, eliminating the possibility of in-person fairs, workshops, and large networking events. In response to this significant change in the working environment, innovative approaches were necessary to facilitate professional-level idea exchange.
In light of these challenges, a virtual exchange format was conceived, addressing crucial aspects of the energy transition, particularly flexibility in the energy system. The FlexCommunity emerged from this initiative, a collaborative effort involving two other EU research projects, Platone and edgeFLEX. The primary objective of this community is to serve as the knowledge platform for flexibility in the energy system.
The first two years of the FlexCommunity yielded impressive results, boasting over 250 registered members, numerous events, two major conferences, and four distinct working groups. Recognizing that founding projects have specific funding periods, the FlexCommunity was established as an enduring entity independent of such constraints. Furthermore, a platform was created to cater to anyone interested in flexibility in the energy system, with a current emphasis on individuals from academia, industry, and other research projects.
This platform ensures that the knowledge acquired in FEVER and other projects persists and remains accessible to the public, safeguarding against its potential disappearance.