In the inaugural SPIDER workshop held on December 14th, 2023, CEDIA spearheaded efforts within Work Package 1 (Framework for enhancing EU-LAC cooperation on digital transformation), bringing together 19 consortium members in a collaborative session to chart the course for EU-LAC cooperation on digital transformation and start creating a conceptual framework to define the basis for the implementation of outcomes of digital transformation dialogues.
Collaborative Session Structure
The workshop was designed to stimulate collaborative thinking on essential aspects for advancing EU-LAC digital cooperation and initiating the formulation of a shared vision and concept note. During a 2-hour Zoom session, participants, organized into breakout groups, debated and developed insights to orchestrate a united vision to enhance this cooperation.
Actionable Insights and Proposals
Participants delved into eight pivotal dimensions within the scope of EU-LAC cooperation on digital transformation:
- Actors
- Barriers
- Needs and Expectations,
- Opportunities
- Strengths
- Success Cases
- Weaknesses
- Innovative ideas
A rich tapestry of 189 ideas emerged, offering a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities central to the workshop’s theme. Noteworthy stakeholders, such as academia, private sector entities, NRENs, telecommunication companies, and policy-level representatives, were identified as key actors in the collaborative landscape.
Contributions unveiled a spectrum of perspectives, with notable attention to needs and expectations. The acknowledgment of strengths and success cases, particularly highlighting initiatives like the BELLA network and RESINFRA, underscored promising pathways for future endeavors. Additionally, weaknesses were identified, providing a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted landscape for EU-LAC cooperation in R&I.
Conclusion
The collaborative nature of the workshop generated actionable insights and proposals. Key conclusions emphasized the vital role of various actors, including academia and private sector entities, in the pursuit of EU-LAC cooperation on digital transformation.
Opportunities for collaboration and strategic partnerships emerged as potential avenues for advancement, while barriers were acknowledged and required attention.
In conclusion, the workshop’s findings will lay the foundation for developing the concept note for EU-LAC cooperation on digital transformation. The collaborative spirit and innovative thinking demonstrated during the session underscore the commitment of the SPIDER consortium to shaping a transformative digital future for the EU-LAC partnership.
