As the aim of the workshop was to stimulate a discussion among representatives of RIs/ Observatories about the connections to policies and policy makers, a special focus was dedicated to interoperability with policy makers and interconnection and interoperability of RIs & Observatories among themselves.

Data management and sharing emerged as a transversal and main topic. Standard for data management and sharing is the basis of interoperability and interconnection: a community is based on shared standards, then the discussion is all about how to get there. Some standards are already available and should be taken into consideration as a starting point. In other cases, standards are not mature and need a work to be agreed.

The connection to policy makers is hindered by the different timescale between researchers and policy makers and the availability of information. Possible solutions should build on the availability of data and information.