The main objective of BEST NETWORK is to bring together knowledge and hands-on experience with biometric deployments, addressing gaps in the gathering and dissemination of best practices, lessons learned in the scope of studies, pilots and deployments on European and Member States level.Recent experiences with biometrics-enabled systems and services have revealed issues beyond accuracy of identification that would need to be addressed in a holistic approach. These include the usability of biometric technologies, user preferences, protecting the privacy of citizens and ensuring full inclusiveness for all users of such systems. Last but not least, tools and guidelines for proper assessment of costs and benefits are needed for a variety of current and future applications.The work of BEST NETWORK will focus on promoting the development of new policy implementation schemes through working groups, discussion platforms and workshops. Exchange of best practices will be facilitated, common cross border strategies will be developed and future pilot activities will be drafted and – if possible - defined. BEST NETWORK will work in the context of current deployments such as visa, passport and border control applications, as well as of future development including evolving applications such as eID and electronic services.BEST NETWORK will provide policy recommendations relevant to the key questions referred to in the introduction. The following broad objectives can be identified at the outset, and will guide the network throughout its mission:-\tUnderstanding existing and future application scenarios and their wider impacts-\tPromote the development of methodologies and tools for holistic evaluations-\tLinking research to the social and industrial context-\tKnowledge sharing and building relationships with all stakeholders