Applied Research has been a key issue area for the Collaborative Council since the first Global Forum in Oslo in 1991. It does so through low cost, decentralised networks linking users, funders and practitioners of research. Network members are drawn from a variety of institutions, including higher education establishments, NGOs, government ministries, international organisations and consultancies. These have been established since the Barbados Global Forum in 1995. Promotional activities include initiatives which are designed to complement information exchange and to generate a higher profile for applied research in the sector in general.
Coordinators are experts in their field and can assist network members with technical queries.
As with topic centres this includes periodic updates from the centre normally in the form of a bulletin. Centre staff provide a question and answer service to local members. Outputs include the regular Global Network Newsletter, miscellaneous products including directories and case studies, working papers covering specific themes relating to applied research and on-line information access via electronic listservers and an Internet site. Networking is a two way process which depends on mutual exchange of information, findings and experiences. All members, whether associating with a topic or local network, should expect to contribute, as well as to receive.