Network Governance

Network Governance

Governance is a vital element of any network, and the Flying Labs Network is no exception. It is also an integral part of WeRobotics’ Glocalization Model, which was co-created with members of the Flying Labs Network and serves as the foundation for how the Network operates. Governance cultivates trust and accountability, making it essential for the qualitative growth of both individual Flying Labs and the Network as a whole. Crucially, it also contributes to the long-term sustainability of the Network.

One of the Flying Labs Network's key strengths is its diversity: the diversity in the set-up of each Flying Labs, the diversity of expertise across the Network, and the vibrant cultural diversity brought by over 40 Flying Labs from different parts of the world. This diversity is vital to growing the Network both in size and strength. How reductive and limiting would it be to have a "one-size-fits-all" approach when growing a global network of local experts?

The Flying Labs Network’s governance framework is made up of 2 distinct parts.

1) The Flying Labs Global Model 

Introduced at the end of 2020 after a year-long co-creation process with 50% of the Flying Labs that were part of the Network, the Global Model defines how individual Flying Labs can grow and contribute to the Network's overall strength. 

Made up of 8 key objectives broken down into 50+ specific criteria, each Flying Labs performs a self-evaluation on a yearly basis to evaluate its strengths and areas for improvement. The outcomes are discussed during the early license renewal to set goals, share ideas for improvements, and connect with other Flying Labs whose experiences can offer support.

The Global Model isn’t designed for Flying Labs to “score 100%” on every criterion. Instead, it serves as a guiding framework to support continuous learning and qualitative growth through annual evaluations.

2) The Flying Labs Network Council

Launched in August 2024, after 4 months of co-creation sessions organized with the coordinators of all Flying Labs, the Flying Labs Network Council reflects our collective commitment to inclusive leadership and shared ownership of the Network's growth and operations. The Council plays a key role in complementing the Global Model and strengthening the governance, accountability, and sustainability of the Flying Labs Network. Co-stewarding the Network alongside WeRobotics, the Council ensures that the Network is not just a loose coalition of local expertise but a connected, well-governed, and strategically guided global community.

With a regional representation and mandate, Council members bring local perspectives into the global support and coordination role that WeRobotics takes on as the Network’s steward. This ensures that insights and operational decisions flow both ways. Importantly, strategic decisions for the Network are always made together with all Network members through co-creation sessions, such as the ones that resulted in the co-creation of both parts of our Governance framework.

The Council plays an advisory and contributive role in strategic contributions, operational decision-making, and Network development. Representing five regions, Council members also serve as contact points (in addition to WeRobotics’ Community Coordinators, who are Flying Labs’ day-to-day key contacts), deepening engagement within the Network.