International Perspective
Collaboration in academic research is not just becoming more European, it is becoming more global. It is increasingly common for researchers in different continents to collaborate together within research projects, sharing research facilities and results. To do this, they need to be able to easily share data and applications, for which high capacity communications networks are an essential requirement.
To satisfy this requirement, the connections between the world’s research networks are becoming increasingly important. The current generation of pan-European research network, GÉANT, provides global connectivity for the NRENs it connects. Currently, these connections are to North America and Japan, but ongoing initiatives will see the direct reach of GÉANT expanding in coming months: the ALICE and EUMEDCONNECT2 initiatives which DANTE is currently managing both aim to provide connectivity to GÉANT, for the Latin American and Mediterranean regions respectively. Studies into the feasibility of inter-connecting with other world regions have been conducted by DANTE in the past (see the "Projects" link alongside for further information), and expressions of interest in connecting to GÉANT have been received from several countries.
The strong level of interest in GÉANT is a recognition of the success of European research networking and its world-leading achievements. The organisation of European research networking - its clear hierarchical model - is an important factor in its success - so much so, in fact, that this model is now being exported to other world regions in recognition of its efficiency for delivering research networking services successfully. This is the case currently for the ALICE initiative for the Latin American region. More information about the European organisational model is available from the link alongside.
A particular strength of the European research networking model is that it provides naturally for Inter-Regional interconnection as a logical next step: that is, the interconnection of different world regions in an organised and efficient manner. It may take a number of years for such co-ordination at global level to emerge fully but steps in this direction are already being taken. Due to the success of European research networking, Europe plays an influential and leading role in the development of research networking worldwide.
The European Union has long recognised and supported research networking initiatives internationally. The ability to connect to European researchers and research facilities from other world regions provides an important boost to the research communities in those regions. Ultimately this benefits the overall human capital and the economic development potential of the countries concerned. The European Commission provides funding for international research networking studies and projects in recognition of the contribution of research networking to economic development and to regional and global economic cohesion. The public policy objectives and vision of the Commission are a driving force in the development of research networking around the world and at a global level.
