8–12 Jun 2026
Helsinki, Finland
Europe/Helsinki timezone

Beyond infrastructure: how storytelling creates a Blue Ocean for NRENs

11 Jun 2026, 14:00
1h 30m
Camerata

Camerata

Single Presentation - 25 min Human Stories: Why Emotional Connection Matters for the Sustainability of NRENs The Art of Being Human

Speakers

Leonie Gomes Gouveia (RNP) Stela Tsirakis Toti (RNP)

Description

As competition for visibility and funding grows, NRENs must position themselves beyond technical infrastructure. This presentation explores storytelling as a strategic approach inspired by Blue Ocean Strategy, shifting communication from technology to human impact. Using the RNP case, it demonstrates how real-life stories transform users into protagonists and infrastructure into social meaning. These narratives generate emotional connection, reinforce institutional purpose, and create a space of differentiation that commercial providers cannot replicate. The result is stronger advocacy, clearer public understanding, and greater sustainability for NRENs through authentic, community-driven communication.

What will the TNC audience take away from your talk?

They will understand how human-centered storytelling can place NRENs in a Blue Ocean position, where they stand out not by technology alone, but by the unique power of their communities.

Are you a first time speaker at TNC? Yes

Primary author

Co-author

Presentation materials