Mr Joost Lieshout (1965) is information and knowledge management (systems) specialist, independant consultant as well as founder of Co-Capacity BV. Including his CGIAR period he has gained seventeen years of experience in the collaborative development of knowledge products, strategies, integrated information systems and web based communication platforms for various communities, from the grassroots to the advanced research and strategic level. Key in this has always been the reusability of the software and data while applying participatory development approaches. Because of his experience he is also involved in international coherence initiatives regarding information and knowledge sharing for international development in its broadest sense (e.g. CIARD, AIMS). He is an expert in meta-data standards and favours the use of global standards, open archive and linked data principles. He has developed a strong interest in using web2.0 tools for the development of community based information services and the use of social media to support collaborative operational activities. Mr Lieshout is recognized for his ability to follow integral approaches in Communication, Information and Knowledge Management projects including organizational, cultural and human aspects. Mr Lieshout is also an experienced trainer and lecturer.

Mr Joost Lieshout holds a Masters degree in Horticulture from Wageningen Agricultural University

He has worked for UN organisations, government agencies, national and international network organisations, NGO’s, research institutes, the private sector (maritime industry) and Academic Medical Centres, on many complex assignments with multi-cultural dimensions in Bangladesh, Belgium, Botswana, Canada, France, Germany, Ghana, Honduras, India, Italy, Mexico, Mozambique, Nepal, Philippines, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Swaziland, the Netherlands, Uganda and the USA.