D4D Access is an open platform for digital stakeholders in the EU and its partner countries to access and share knowledge products that are addressed to the target audience of the platform and contribute to its purpose (more information below).  

Given the scope of the platform and its overarching goal to contribute to D4D exchanges and collaboration, we are particularly eager to receive contributions from:

• Public institutions and regional organisations.
• EU institutions and EU delegations to partner countries.
• Team Europe initiatives and D4D projects implemented.
• Civil society organisations, multilateral organisations, research and academic institutions, and private sector.
• Digital stakeholders engaged in D4D Hub working groups and advisory groups.

The platform primarily targets policymakers (government officials, civil servants, and regulators), private sector (telecommunications companies, SMEs, entrepreneurs, and investors), European donors and development agencies, civil society organisations and digital rights advocacy groups, as well as experts from academia and think tanks.

The purpose of D4D Access is to facilitate knowledge sharing between digital stakeholders, meaning exchanging on lessons, experiences, and good practices on digitalisation.

Below is a non-exhaustive list of the different topics covered by D4D Access. New categories can be added based on offer and demand.

• Connectivity
• Digital skills
• Digital entrepreneurship
• e-Governance
• e-Commerce
• Digital financial services
• Cybersecurity
• Privacy and data protection
• Earth  and space observation
• Gender and digital rights

D4D Access aims to become a dynamic repository for all kinds of resources that may enable effective actions by their target users, always taking into consideration that they should be useful, insightful, and accessible.

The platform currently supports the following formats:

• Files to download (in .pdf format): suitable for reports, guidelines, case studies, and factsheets.
• Images and photos (.jpg and .png accepted): useful for infographics and photo galleries.
• Videos (embedding or uploading .mp4 and .mov files): practical for short films and longer documentaries.
• Audio (embedding): best format for podcasts.
• Blog (html editor): designed to share expert insights, multi-media stories, and articles.
• Event calendar: useful to share information about upcoming events and publish recordings and outcomes.

The D4D Hub Secretariat team is responsible for publishing content on D4D Access. Submissions are entered through an online form. The project team will then review and determine if a submission is relevant based on the above-mentioned criteria. The author or submitter will be notified within the briefest possible delay. Even when a product is accepted, modifications might be requested for quality control.

Please note that the publication of a knowledge product does imply endorsement of its content by the D4D Hub or its members. 

Submitters are requested to adhere to the following basic guidelines. Meeting these requirements can significantly reduce publication delays. 

• All content should respect the EU Interinstitutional Style Guides aimed at standardising the use of language and ensuring consistency.
• All knowledge products should strive to be as inclusive and accessible as possible. This includes avoiding heavy attachments, including subtitles in videos and captions in photos, sharing translations, or adding mobile friendly versions. 
• Claims and facts must be backed with evidence. Clearly indicate all sources using either footnotes, hyperlinks, or a bibliography.
• Avoid using acronyms or initials. If you must use them, do not forget to explain their meaning.
• Put users first and think of their needs. Keep your messages short and simple, communicate concisely and to the point.

The platform is currently available in English and French. If you wish to share knowledge products in other languages, please contact our team.

In addition to the knowledge product, you will need the following information to fill the submission form:

• Title
• Subtitle or one-line teaser
• Summary or abstract
• Publication date
• Author(s)
• Featured photo and caption
• Any relevant logotype(s)
• Contact person
• APA style citation (facultative)

When you submit a knowledge product, you are requested to submit any relevant copyright information for people wishing to cite or reproduce your content. You are also obliged to give authorisation and confirm that you have permission to publish a knowledge product on the platform.

The D4D Hub and its implementing partners do not claim any form of intellectual property rights on the products that are published on the D4D Access platform.

The author(s) do not have the possibility to claim any form of remuneration related to the publication of their knowledge product on the D4D Access platform.

If you would like to announce an event on the D4D Access homepage and event calendar, please send all the necessary information via the contact form. 

For more information on the D4D Hub, please visit the website.