Structure & Management

The governance structure of the AVPG is designed to enable smooth management and coordination, as well as to minimize common problems imposed by bureaucratic structures. The Joint Program Management Board consists of the coordinators of the three programs (technology, infrastructure, and governance). It is responsible for overall management, communication with the Executive Committee and other relevant stakeholders, and steering and monitoring research progress. The Joint Program Steering Committee, comprised of one representative from each of the current 11 full participants, decides on the admission of new partners, the integration of new research topics, and the strategic positioning of the research framework.

Close communication with city, county, state and federal authorities is a special focus, as are dialogues with the scientific community and with industry. The goal is to maximize synergy and to keep research strategy aligned with the real-life needs of communities and the economy. A Government Advisory Board has been established to ensure mutual knowledge transfer between research and government authorities. Its major aim is to initiate the transfer of new scientific findings, methods or tools into communities – and in return, provide feedback on their usability in practice.

The strategic management process includes regular thematic meetings and smaller events throughout the year, as well as two large annual workshops.