Abstract
In this paper we present a method to support the process of multilin-gual ontology specification developed during the conceptualization phase in the context of multilingual collaborative networks. This method was developed to answer the requirements of a collaborative network where the need for localized content appears at an earlier stage, due to the short life-cycle that characterizes both this type of network. We present the main results obtained during the method's implementation in the context of an European project - H-Know: Advanced Infrastructure for Knowledge Based Services for Restoring Buildings, analyse its problems and limitations and discuss the difficulties that arise in a shared conceptualization of an ontology represented in more than one natural language from the point of view of the language influence, taking into account aspects such as the process of interpretation and representation of knowledge of a specific subject field, the needs and difficulties when accessing and processing multilingual information or reusing previously structured semantic re-sources. Finally, we consider and analyse the role and challenges of both termi-nologist and expert when working closely together in the context of collaborative networks.

Abstract
Collaborative conceptualisation processes are pervasive to most technical and professional activities, but are seldom addressed explicitly due to the lack of theoretical and practical methods and tools to support it. However, it seems not to be a popular research topic in knowledge representation or its sub-areas such as ontology engineering. Our view is that collaboration between stakeholders for specifying an ontology should be addressed at the conceptual, semi-formal level, in order to foster a collective learning of the domain and reaching agreements about its representation. We developed a method to support conceptual integration based in the conceptual blending theory - ColBlend - and implemented it in a collaborative modelling environment. This "conceptual modelling environment - conceptME" supports teams of specialist and facilitators in eliciting conceptual structures with the help of collaborative model editing and terminology services. Conceptual integration and agreements are achieved through the ColBlend method. This paper overviews ColBlend and ConceptME and describes in detail a test case.

Abstract
A case study involving a new method to support the collaborative construction of semantic artefacts in an inter-organizational context is described. The method aims at being applied, in particular, in the early phases of ontology development. We share the view that the development of semantic artefacts in collaborative networks of organizations should be based on a continuous construction of meaning, rather than pursuing the delivery of highly formalized accounts of domains. For that, our research is directed to the application of cognitive semantics results, specifically by developing and extending the Conceptual Blending Theory to cope with the socio-cognitive aspects of inter-organizational ontology development. An evaluation experiment for this method is accomplished in the scope of a large European project in the area of industrial engineering. The method evaluation and its results are described.

Abstract
Performance management in collaborative networks of organisations is a complex process due to the multiplicity of competing perspectives upon it. One of the more sensitive phases of this process is the agreement of the actors in the network regarding the performance evaluation model whose design is considered of great importance in the research literature. This paper proposes a method for the design of performance evaluation systems in collaborative networks through an innovative combination of performance information classification and multi-criteria decision model. The method is implemented in a web-based collaborative platform that enables the members of a collaborative network to efficiently achieve specific performance models that result from a collective and negotiated construction.

Abstract
This paper proposes a new method to support the collaborative construction of semantic artifacts in an inter-organizational context. It aims at being applied, in particular, in the early phases of ontology development. We share the view that that the development of semantic artifacts in collaborative networks of organizations should be based on a continuous construction of meaning, rather than pursuing the delivery of highly formalized accounts of domains. For that, our research is directed to the application of cognitive semantics results, specifically by developing and extending the Conceptual Blending Theory to cope with the socio-cognitive aspects of inter-organizational ontology development. Besides the Outline of the method, we analyze the main problems and gaps in current ontology development methods regarding collaboration and negotiation in early development phases.

Abstract