Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SPIDER (EU-LAC Strategic Partnership for the Implementation of Digital Dialogues in R&I Cooperation)
Reporting period: 2023-11-01 to 2025-04-30
SPIDER addresses an existing gap between bi-regional political commitments and their concrete implementation in the field of research and innovation cooperation between the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean. While multiple high-level dialogues have identified common priorities, these have not consistently translated into sustained collaboration or aligned actions. In parallel, the BELLA network, a valuable infrastructure which interconnects the regions’ National Research and Education Networks, remains underutilised, limiting its transformative potential.
SPIDER aims to bridge these gaps by aligning the outcomes of EU–LAC digital dialogues with national policy frameworks and leveraging BELLA as a key enabler for cooperation in emerging technologies, such as AI, 5G, blockchain, HPC, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and virtual research environments, areas where joint efforts can deliver high-impact cross-regional innovation. SPIDER also builds on strategic alliances with RedCLARA and GÉANT, key partners in advancing regional connectivity and activating BELLA.
Following a human-centric approach to digital transformation, SPIDER has implemented several key actions:
● Comprehensive mapping and analysis of existing dialogues, policies, and frameworks to identify priorities, synergies and gaps in bi-regional cooperation.
● Establishment of inclusive collaboration mechanisms, in particular, the EU–LAC Digital Dialogues Implementation Forum (DIF), a dynamic platform uniting relevant R&I stakeholders. DIF includes two thematic Working Groups (on Human-Centric Digital Transformation and Diversity, Equality and Inclusion - DEI. These groups bring together policymakers, researchers, private sector actors, and civil society to co-create strategic responses and shared digital challenges.
● Activation of cross-regional innovation and knowledge exchange, through a Twinning Programme connecting digital innovation hubs in both regions, and the development of lasting partnerships across the EU–LAC digital ecosystem.
The expected impact includes strengthened EU–LAC digital partnerships, improved policy coherence, and guidance to increase the usage of the BELLA network. Lastly, by promoting a human-centric and sustainable model of digital cooperation, the project contributes to EU policy priorities such as the Digital Decade, the Global Gateway strategy, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
SPIDER aims to bridge these gaps by aligning the outcomes of EU–LAC digital dialogues with national policy frameworks and leveraging BELLA as a key enabler for cooperation in emerging technologies, such as AI, 5G, blockchain, HPC, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and virtual research environments, areas where joint efforts can deliver high-impact cross-regional innovation. SPIDER also builds on strategic alliances with RedCLARA and GÉANT, key partners in advancing regional connectivity and activating BELLA.
Following a human-centric approach to digital transformation, SPIDER has implemented several key actions:
● Comprehensive mapping and analysis of existing dialogues, policies, and frameworks to identify priorities, synergies and gaps in bi-regional cooperation.
● Establishment of inclusive collaboration mechanisms, in particular, the EU–LAC Digital Dialogues Implementation Forum (DIF), a dynamic platform uniting relevant R&I stakeholders. DIF includes two thematic Working Groups (on Human-Centric Digital Transformation and Diversity, Equality and Inclusion - DEI. These groups bring together policymakers, researchers, private sector actors, and civil society to co-create strategic responses and shared digital challenges.
● Activation of cross-regional innovation and knowledge exchange, through a Twinning Programme connecting digital innovation hubs in both regions, and the development of lasting partnerships across the EU–LAC digital ecosystem.
The expected impact includes strengthened EU–LAC digital partnerships, improved policy coherence, and guidance to increase the usage of the BELLA network. Lastly, by promoting a human-centric and sustainable model of digital cooperation, the project contributes to EU policy priorities such as the Digital Decade, the Global Gateway strategy, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
SPIDER has made significant progress in advancing EU–LAC digital cooperation through a structured approach. The project has delivered a comprehensive mapping of digital dialogues, agreements, and cooperation frameworks, offering a detailed overview of thematic priorities, policy alignments, and key stakeholders across both regions. This analysis provides the foundation for a shared strategic roadmap.
A survey on the digital ecosystem and the potential of the BELLA network was also carried out, gathering responses from a wide range of stakeholders from Europe and Latin America. The results provided valuable data on infrastructure usage, interconnectivity, and cooperation needs, and fed into the roadmap design and policy recommendations.
The EU–LAC Digital Dialogues Implementation Forum (DIF) has been launched as a permanent multi-stakeholder platform to support implementation of digital commitments. Three thematic Working Group meetings have taken place, bringing together 137 experts from academia, government, private sector, and civil society. The discussions produced critical inputs for the upcoming guidelines on human-centric and sustainable digital transformation.
In parallel, SPIDER launched its Community of Practice, which serves as an ongoing space for peer learning, co-creation and expert exchange that will foster stakeholder engagement beyond the project’s duration.
Additionally, SPIDER has contributed and participated in several third-party events at regional and international levels, sharing results and gathering feedback from broader expert communities. These interactions have supported strengthened connections between EU–LAC digital innovation ecosystems.
Lastly, SPIDER has also elaborated a policy brief synthesising the project’s key findings and recommendations. This brief is designed to inform policymakers on priority areas for action and guide the alignment of digital agendas between the EU and LAC.
A survey on the digital ecosystem and the potential of the BELLA network was also carried out, gathering responses from a wide range of stakeholders from Europe and Latin America. The results provided valuable data on infrastructure usage, interconnectivity, and cooperation needs, and fed into the roadmap design and policy recommendations.
The EU–LAC Digital Dialogues Implementation Forum (DIF) has been launched as a permanent multi-stakeholder platform to support implementation of digital commitments. Three thematic Working Group meetings have taken place, bringing together 137 experts from academia, government, private sector, and civil society. The discussions produced critical inputs for the upcoming guidelines on human-centric and sustainable digital transformation.
In parallel, SPIDER launched its Community of Practice, which serves as an ongoing space for peer learning, co-creation and expert exchange that will foster stakeholder engagement beyond the project’s duration.
Additionally, SPIDER has contributed and participated in several third-party events at regional and international levels, sharing results and gathering feedback from broader expert communities. These interactions have supported strengthened connections between EU–LAC digital innovation ecosystems.
Lastly, SPIDER has also elaborated a policy brief synthesising the project’s key findings and recommendations. This brief is designed to inform policymakers on priority areas for action and guide the alignment of digital agendas between the EU and LAC.
SPIDER is expected to deliver results that go beyond the state of the art by establishing a structured and inclusive framework for EU–LAC digital cooperation. This includes a participatory roadmap, innovative mechanisms for multi-stakeholder engagement (such as the DIF and Working Groups), and a Community of Practice that will remain active beyond the project’s lifetime. These results provide a unique contribution to shaping human-centric digital transformation strategies in both regions.
Also, SPIDER’s strategy to maximise impact has relied on leveraging the multiplier effect of its partners’ networks across Europe and LAC to generate a cascade of visibility and uptake of the project results. Communication and dissemination actions have been carefully designed for key target audiences, including coordinated campaigns via email and social media, strategic participation in third-party events, and the active involvement of the Community of Practice. These activities have not only increased awareness but also promoted strategic partnerships.
To ensure further uptake and long-term success, the following elements will be key: continued stakeholder engagement through the CoP; alignment with ongoing EU–LAC political dialogues and funding programmes; and support for inclusive policy implementation based on the recommendations and roadmap developed. Internationalisation and alignment with standardisation and regulatory frameworks, particularly in areas such as AI, cloud infrastructure and digital rights, will also be crucial to ensure SPIDER’s outcomes remain relevant and scalable.
Also, SPIDER’s strategy to maximise impact has relied on leveraging the multiplier effect of its partners’ networks across Europe and LAC to generate a cascade of visibility and uptake of the project results. Communication and dissemination actions have been carefully designed for key target audiences, including coordinated campaigns via email and social media, strategic participation in third-party events, and the active involvement of the Community of Practice. These activities have not only increased awareness but also promoted strategic partnerships.
To ensure further uptake and long-term success, the following elements will be key: continued stakeholder engagement through the CoP; alignment with ongoing EU–LAC political dialogues and funding programmes; and support for inclusive policy implementation based on the recommendations and roadmap developed. Internationalisation and alignment with standardisation and regulatory frameworks, particularly in areas such as AI, cloud infrastructure and digital rights, will also be crucial to ensure SPIDER’s outcomes remain relevant and scalable.