The workshop dealt with the relation of research and comprehensive aspects of Open and Distance Learning and eLearning, focusing policy and strategy issues. The event aimed to:

• strengthen the position of ODL and its competent actors, serving as reference in eLearning developments
• support professional development
• improve suitable platforms for discussion with regional and national governments and funding organisations and the European Commission
• define relevance and potential contribution of research in ODL for political decision-making
• discuss ODL research from a policy-making perspective
  • awareness
  • quality,
  • dissemination,
  • support for decision-making and consulting
• evaluate funding frameworks and procedures
• discuss about guidelines for future funding policies
• reconsider research policy – aims and strategies of funding organisations