At this year’s TICAL Conference, SPIDER hosted a new edition of the Digital Dialogues Implementation Forum (DIF), a dedicated space to assess the current state of EU–LAC digital cooperation and explore how both regions can work together in a more coordinated, accessible and impactful way.
Through two complementary sessions, the Forum brought evidence, policy perspectives and technical insight into a single conversation, generating a clearer understanding of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for bi-regional collaboration.
1. Setting the Scene: A Shared Commitment to Digital Transformation
The DIF opened by highlighting the shared objective that guides SPIDER’s work: advancing cooperation that is simple, aligned, and centred on people’s needs. This framing set the tone for discussions focused on continuity, coordination and long-term impact across both regions.
2. From Vision to Action: Consolidating EU–LAC Digital Dialogues
The first session presented SPIDER’s mapping of bi-regional digital agreements and dialogues, developed with the support of the AI-powered SPIDERHUB platform. The analysis provided one of the most comprehensive overviews of the policy and cooperation ecosystem connecting Europe and LAC.
The findings revealed a partnership with strong foundations but limited alignment. Participants emphasised the need for greater coordination, long-term continuity beyond political cycles, and priorities informed by evidence and real regional needs.
The conversation converged around a shared goal: developing a joint roadmap that is coherent, realistic and actionable. Audience contributions reinforced the importance of clearer guidance to help institutions navigate bi-regional cooperation mechanisms.
3. BELLA Beyond Borders: Unlocking the Next Phase of Research and Innovation Connectivity
The second session focused on BELLA and its role as a key driver for scientific collaboration and digital transformation. SPIDER presented findings from surveys and focus groups that explored how BELLA is currently used, how it is perceived, and what communities expect from it moving forward.
Participants recognised BELLA as a strategic and trusted asset. They also identified areas where its impact could expand: broader access to advanced digital services, more training and digital skill development, simpler entry points for new institutions, and support that extends beyond specialised technical communities.
A common message emerged throughout the session: high-capacity connectivity must translate into real opportunities for collaboration, research and innovation.
4. A Clear Path Forward
The closing reflections of the DIF emphasised that EU–LAC cooperation is most effective when it is coherent, coordinated, and centred on people’s needs.
The discussions confirmed that the partnership already has strong assets — solid infrastructures, committed communities, and active institutional networks. The next step is ensuring that cooperation becomes more connected, more coherent, and more accessible across the regions.
5. Looking Ahead: SPIDER’s Ongoing Contribution
SPIDER will continue contributing to this effort through its mapping activities, its engagement with communities, and initiatives such as the Twinning Programme. The project remains committed to turning dialogue into practical, sustainable cooperation that delivers value on both sides of the Atlantic.
This edition of the Digital Dialogues Implementation Forum made one thing clear:
The opportunity to build a shared, inclusive, and genuinely collaborative digital future is already here, and we are ready to shape it together.
