We are delighted to announce that the Digital Dialogues Implementation Forum (DIF) will once again feature at TICAL 2025 in Costa Rica. This strategic gathering continues to strengthen EU-LAC cooperation whilst driving forward the practical implementation of digital transformation commitments across both regions.
Programme Integration
Date: Thursday, 13 November 2025
Time: 14:30 – 16:30
Venue: Hotel Double Tree by Hilton Cariari, San José, Costa Rica — Room Cocori
Format: In-person event
The 2025 DIF will include two complementary sessions:
- From Vision to Action: Consolidating EU–LAC Digital Dialogues Towards a Future Roadmap for Cooperation. This session will present insights from the mapping of EU–LAC agreements and digital dialogues developed through SPIDER’s AI SPIDERHUB platform.
A panel of representatives from the Delegation of the European Union to Costa Rica, the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications of Costa Rica (MICITT), the Ministry of Education and Culture of Uruguay (MEC), and the Digital for Development (D4D) Hub will discuss strategic recommendations and next steps toward a joint EU–LAC digital cooperation roadmap. - BELLA Beyond Borders: Unlocking the Future of EU–LAC Research and Innovation Connectivity. This session will explore the potential of BELLA’s high-speed connectivity to boost scientific collaboration and digital transformation across the regions. Findings from SPIDER’s survey and focus groups on the use and potential of BELLA will be presented by REUNA, followed by a roundtable including RedCLARA, GÉANT, ALETI, and 28DIGITAL.
The event will conclude with closing remarks led by INMARK, summarising key outcomes and next steps for future EU–LAC cooperation.
About the DIF
The Digital Dialogues Implementation Forum is an initiative designed to bridge the critical gap between digital dialogue commitments and their practical implementation. By bringing together policymakers, academics, researchers, and industry leaders from Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean, the DIF translates strategic discussions into actionable outcomes that leverage the BELLA network infrastructure for human-centred digital transformation.
The forum directly supports SPIDER’s core objectives, particularly the establishment of sustainable partnerships and the promotion of digital transformation technologies that benefit communities across both regions.
About TICAL 2025
Under the compelling theme “Innovación que Transforma” (Innovation that Transforms), TICAL 2025 provides a premier platform for high-level analysis and discussion on digital transformation in higher education and research. Organised by RedCLARA, the event facilitates knowledge exchange, showcases innovative solutions, and strengthens strategic alliances.
Looking Ahead
This year’s DIF represents a significant step forward in SPIDER’s mission to create meaningful, lasting impact through digital transformation. Building on previous successes, the forum will continue to champion human-centred approaches to technology adoption whilst ensuring the sustainable development of digital ecosystems across EU and LAC regions.
For updates on the DIF programme and participation opportunities, please visit our channels or contact info@spidernetwork.org.
