Forging collaborative approaches for enhancing Earth Observation product uptake in the Cloud Era.

Facilitating the seamless progression of data discovery, access, processing, analysis, and distribution of insights stands as a cornerstone within Earth Observation (EO) missions, further amplified by the widespread migration of major data archives towards cloud infrastructures across the globe. However, impediments in the data flow from providers to end-users can and do persist, particularly under the cloud paradigm, fostering the exclusion of certain communities and curtailing their ability to harness actionable insights for research, practical applications, and informed decision-making. Integral to the Earth Observation value chain is the strategic design of robust capacity-building frameworks and networking structures. This facet assumes paramount importance as it transcends the mere adoption of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles, ultimately enhancing product adoption and utilization. The Global Precipitation Measurement Mission (GPM) Mentorship Program serves as an example of a successful initiative, catering to a diverse global audience by forging connections between domain experts and users. The program's structure, from the development of lecture series to the practical implementation of capstone projects across various domains (e.g., extreme precipitation events, ground validation, water resource management), yields a wealth of insightful and reusable lessons. Notably, participants hailing from over 40 countries have shed light on the multifaceted barriers slowing down or impeding product adoption, typifying the diverse landscape of agencies, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations engaged in the initiative. The GPM Mentorship Program has evolved into the focal point of an interconnected ecosystem of collaborative initiatives, all unified by a shared objective while being custom-tailored to address the distinct requirements and diverse user communities within the Earth Sciences domain. Ultimately, co-designing adaptable and inclusive capacity-building frameworks emerges as a pivotal requirement in facilitating EO data uptake and a seamless transition to the cloud paradigm. This approach not only bolsters and sustains diversity within the Earth Sciences but also fosters evidence-based decision-making both at global and local levels, thus underlining its pivotal role in shaping a more informed and resilient future.