Conveners
Digital Global Gateway: Shaping the Future of Global R&E Connectivity: BoF
- Helga Spitaler (GÉANT)
- Sabine Jaume (NORDUnet)
Description
Intercontinental submarine connectivity infrastructure is entering a new strategic era. Projects such as Medusa and Blue Raman - alongside emerging opportunities such as Polar Connect and the EurAfrica Gateway - are no longer simply telecommunications investments; they sit at the intersection of geopolitics, digital sovereignty, scientific collaboration, socio-economic development and long-term resilience.
As the European Union advances initiatives under Global Gateway, fundamental questions are emerging: who shapes the future architecture of international connectivity, who benefits from it, and how can public-interest infrastructure remain open, trusted and sustainable in an increasingly competitive and fragmented global environment?
This panel brings together representatives from the European Commission, EU financing institutions, regional and national networking organisations (RRENs and NRENs) to discuss how strategic connectivity projects can deliver lasting value for research and education (R&E) communities not only across Europe, but globally.
The discussion will explore:
- how publicly supported infrastructure differs from commercially driven models,
- the growing influence of geopolitics and hyperscalers on global connectivity,
- how to ensure equitable partnerships with partner regions,
- the long-term sustainability of international connectivity investments and impact,
- the role the R&E community can play in shaping trusted and resilient global infrastructure from the outset.
Panellists:
- Hoa-Binh Adjemian, Head of Unit, Private Sector Engagement, DG ENEST, European Commission
- Jean-Francois Le Bihan, Project Manager, Secure Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure, DG INTPA, European Commission
- Manuel Tarazona Cano, Senior Engineer, Digital Infrastructure Division, European Investment Bank (EIB)
- Bram Peeters, Chief Network Services Officer, GÉANT
- Ieva Muraškienė, Strategy and Policy Officer, NORDUnet & Chair of GÉANT Network Infrastructure Advisory Committee (NIAC)
- Madara Ogot, CEO, UbuntuNet Alliance
