Digital Ecosystems are emerging as a novel approach for the catalysis of sustainable regional development driven by SMEs. The aim of the DEN4DEK thematic network is to share experience and disseminate all the necessary knowledge that allow regions to plan an effective deployment of the Digital Ecosystems (DE) at all levels (economic, social, technical and political) in order to produce real impacts in the economic activities of European regions through the improvement of SMEs business environments. The main claim that DEN4DEK makes is that in order to ensure the wider uptake and best use of ICT in businesses through the digital ecosystems (DE) approach it is necessary that the regions that have already a thorough knowledge and experience in the deployment of the DE work closely with the regions that are starting to integrate this concept into their innovation strategies. Our strategy is based on various techniques of knowledge sharing. Because the process of knowledge sharing must be sustainable and scalable, the regions of Aragon and the West Midlands, the only two regional DBE pilots with previous experience of local deployment in Europe (thanks to their direct participation in the EU 6th FP DBE integrated project), are leading the strategy. Along the knowledge-sharing strategy, partners are supported by regions which have already introduced the DE approach at the local level. It follows that DEN4DEK is the first step in a self-reinforcing community building process that will culminate at the end of the project with a community of knowledge, inclusive of all regional stakeholders, which will be able to build regional partnerships and business ecosystems fostering regional innovation. The project will integrate the available research outputs from the DBE Integrated Project, and will adapt and clarify the potential knowledge gaps with the rest of the regions and users. Finally, DEN4DEK will develop the bases and framework for a long-term vision of an open and self-s