This event offers a unique opportunity for policymakers, institutional representatives, leaders from research and education networks (NRENs), innovative actors, and international partners to deepen their engagement and strengthen cooperation across Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean, while also connecting with partners from other regions.
Positioned at the intersection of policy, innovation, and digital transformation, the SPIDER conference creates a strategic space for dialogue, exchange, and collaboration around shared challenges and opportunities in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Throughout April 15, participants will engage with key results and highlights from the SPIDER project, gain insights from cross-regional experiences, and take part in forward-looking discussions that reinforce international collaboration on digital transformation.
Programme overview
08:30 – 09:00 | Registration & Welcome Coffee |
09:00 – 09:20 | Opening Session: Digital Cooperation in a Changing World Stephanie Splett-Rudolph, DLR (Germany) · Yolanda Ursa, Inmark (Spain) |
09:20 – 09:40 | Policy Perspectives from Europe: Priorities for International Digital Cooperation |
09:40 – 10:00 | From Vision to Action: Strengthening EU–LAC Digital Collaboration through SPIDER Project Overview · Yolanda Ursa, Inmark (Spain) |
10:00 – 10:45 | Keynote: Digital transformation beyond borders Christoph Grundig, Greatech (Germany) |
10:45 – 11:15 | Coffee and Networking Break |
11:15 – 11:30 | Mapping the State of EU–LAC Digital Cooperation: Spiderhub AI-platforming Cristian Patiño, CEDIA (Ecuador) · Johanna Füllmann, DLR Projektträger (Germany) |
11:30 – 11:45 | Advancing DEI and Human-Centred Digital Transformation – Insights from the SPIDER Digital Dialogues Implementation Forum (DIF) Maria Fernanda Cabrera, Polytechnic University of Madrid – UPM, LifeSTech (Spain) |
11:45 – 13:00 | 1st Panel – EU–LAC Digital Transformation: Cooperation and Key Lessons Regional cooperation models, lessons learned, and priorities for future EU–LAC digital transformation. The discussion will explore how SPIDER outcomes contribute to the long-term sustainability of the EU–LAC Digital Partnership and the BELLA Network.
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13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch |
14:00 – 14:45 | Keynote: The role of Latin America's ICT Industry in EU–LAC Digital Cooperation Paul Fervoy, Vice President of ALETI |
14:45 – 15:00 | A Human-Centred Approach: Guidelines for Sustainable Digital Cooperation Cristian Patiño, CEDIA (Ecuador) |
15:00 – 15:15 | Leveraging the BELLA Infrastructure for EU–LAC Collaboration – The Way Forward Leandro Neumann Ciuffo, RNP (Brazil) |
15:15 – 16:30 | 2nd Panel – Global Digital Transformation: Cooperation Beyond Regions International cooperation models, shared infrastructures, and partnership frameworks supporting R&I collaboration beyond borders.
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16:30 – 16:40 | Group Picture |
16:40 – 17:10 | Coffee and Networking Break |
17:10 – 17:25 | Connecting Innovation Communities Across Regions – The SPIDER Twinning Programme Carolina Turcato, EURA (Portugal) |
17:25 – 17:40 | Looking Ahead: A Roadmap for EU–LAC Cooperation on Digital Transformation Luciana Ayciriex, INMARK (Spain) |
17:40 – 18:00 | Closing and Final Remarks Eugenia Peñaloza, INMARK · Johanna Füllmann, DLR Projektträger |
