As NRENs continue to underpin global scientific collaboration, their
role is increasingly shaped by shifting geopolitical dynamics, digital
sovereignty concerns, and the demand for resilient, secure
infrastructure. This panel brings together international NREN leaders
and experts to explore how these forces are influencing strategy,
partnerships, and service delivery across regions.
Panellists will share perspectives on maintaining trust and
interoperability in a divided digital landscape, balancing national
interests with global research needs, and ensuring equitable access to
advanced networking capabilities.
Key themes include the future of international connectivity, data
governance and sovereignty, cybersecurity collaboration, and the role of
regional alliances in sustaining innovation. The session will also
highlight practical examples of successful global cooperation and
discuss pathways to strengthen collective resilience in the face of
uncertainty.
Designed for policymakers, network operators, researchers, and
institutional leaders, this panel offers a timely and strategic view of
how NRENs can continue to connect the world—despite an increasingly
complex geopolitical environment.
Panel discussion
Alex Bushell
Alexander van den Hil
David Patterson