Work Package 4: Sustainability
Summary
WP4 aims to define a strategy to ensure the sustainability of the European Union (EU) network of CCCs beyond the duration of the Joint Action (JA). This strategy builds on the insights gathered from pilot studies to evaluate the readiness and maturity level towards CCC-compliant structures across Member States and Associated Countries by evaluating their readiness against proposed certification standards and criteria. WP4 will facilitate dynamic exchange of experiences and challenges in CCC development. WP4 also aims to establish connections with major European health initiatives, international programs, and relevant stakeholders to enhance the integration and long-term impact of Joint Action EUnetCCC.
Key activities
- Developing a comprehensive sustainability plan: Shape a forward-looking, long-term vision for the EU network of CCCs, informed by real-world insights from the pilot studies and continous feedback from participating centres.
- Delivering evidence-driven recommendations: Conduct pilot interviews to facilitate bilateral consultations with the centres and identify gaps and best practices, provide actionable recommendations and propose refinements for CCCs to align with real-world needs.
- Forging strategic partnerships: Develop strong partnerships European initiatives such as JANE, ECHoS, ERNs, and the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan to expand cross border collaborations and amplify the impact of the network.
Expected outcomes
WP4 will produce a clear and actionable sustainability roadmap that reflects insights from pilot studies and incorporates input from all other WPs. The roadmap will capture experiences from cancer centres, highlight critical implementation challenges, and provide concrete steps to support the long-term resilience of the EU Network of CCCs. By strengthening ties with EU initiatives, WP4 will create new collaborative opportunities and enhance resource sharing, promoting sustainable innovation across Europe.
Contribution to the Joint Action
WP4 is central to sustaining the capabilities of the established EU network of CCCs beyond the lifetime of the JA. Through evaluation of organisational models and compliant structures, WP4 will provide Member States and Associated Countries with adaptable frameworks to support national CCC development. The outcomes of WP4 activities will serve as a foundation for embedding certification standards and criteria in long-term EU policy and practice. This will securing a future-proof EU network of CCCs and reinforce its significance in transforming cancer care and research across Europe. Ultimately, it will ensure that patients across Europe will benefit from improved and equitable access to CCC services, regardless of geographic location.
Leading Institutions
Explore the lead and co-lead institutions driving our collaborative mission.
Sciensano
Belgium
Lead Institution
National Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia
Slovenia
Co-Lead Institution