Update of the Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation (CDE) Strategy and Plan : Deliverable 5.3

Samenvatting

The report is an update of the communication, dissemination, and exploitation (CDE) strategy and plan and outlines important revisions to the communication approach of the MAGICA project. MAGICA is a four-year initiative funded by Horizon Europe, aimed at supporting JPI Climate’s strategy priority of accelerating the development and transfer of knowledge from science to policy and practice while enhancing the European Research Area (ERA). MAGICA aims to achieve this synergy by enhancing the visibility, accessibility and uptake of knowledge from climate research and innovation projects within the ERA in a way that the knowledge becomes more actionable by developing, providing, and exchanging the knowledge to accelerate decision making and actions by policymakers, the private sector and society.
Since the launch of MAGICA in 2022, the communication landscape has evolved significantly, prompting updates to the project’s CDE strategy. One of the major changes is the increase in EU-funded initiatives focused on climate action, requiring MAGICA to collaborate more closely with similar projects. Another key shift is the growing nationalisation of climate research, with individual countries launching their own programs. The report also highlights the broader societal involvement in climate action. Private companies, NGOs, and citizens are increasingly being recognised as key stakeholders, with a growing need to facilitate their participation in climate discussions. However, some challenges remain, particularly in reaching certain groups, including remote populations, those with little interest in climate issues, and non-English speakers. In addition, changes in social media, such as the transformation of Twitter into X, have impacted the platforms through which climate-related content is shared, prompting MAGICA to adjust its social media strategy.
MAGICA has already achieved some success in raising awareness and engaging stakeholders through flagship events and social media campaigns. These efforts have brought in a diverse array of participants, but challenges persist. In response to these challenges, MAGICA has repositioned its CDE activities under BELSPO, one of its consortium partners. BELSPO is part of every work package and is well-aware of communication ambitions and needs for all the activities. This change therefore aims to increase the project’s efficiency in coordinating communication efforts and ensure that these efforts are aligned with the broader goals of the project and JPI Climate. Additionally, the updated strategy emphasises the importance of growing the MAGICA community by using social media more effectively and engaging stakeholders through existing networks.
To ensure that the updated strategy remains effective, MAGICA has also introduced a more structured monitoring process. This approach will measure the CDE’s progress in raising awareness, broadening interest, deepening knowledge, and maximising stakeholder involvement. These adjustments are designed to make MAGICA’s communication efforts more adaptive to the rapidly evolving climate communication landscape and more impactful in driving climate action. In conclusion, the updated CDE strategy aims to improve the efficiency and reach of MAGICA’s communication efforts.