In March 2026, the European SPIDER project released the document “Pathways for the Exploitation of the BELLA Infrastructure”, a Position Paper presenting recommendations and priority areas to promote the strategic use of the digital connectivity linking Europe with Latin America and the Caribbean, now enhanced by the BELLAII project.

The report is the result of two years of data collection, surveys, expert dialogues and collaborative work between stakeholders from both regions. SPIDER — an initiative funded by the European Union and involving the academic networks RNP in Brazil, REUNA in Chile, RedCONARE in Costa Rica, and CEDIA in Ecuador, alongside European organisations — seeks to strengthen bi-regional digital and scientific cooperation, particularly in contexts of growing demand for data exchange, shared infrastructure and advanced technological capabilities.

Beyond connectivity: a strategic asset for cooperation

One of the document’s main conclusions is clear: connectivity, on its own, is not enough. Whilst the connectivity infrastructure enhanced by the BELLAII project provides a solid technical foundation, the report notes that it is often used merely as a service ( ), rather than being recognised as a key strategic asset for international cooperation.

The analysis also highlights that digital collaboration between the two regions remains fragmented and heavily reliant on one-off projects, which hinders the development of sustainable initiatives. Furthermore, gaps persist in capabilities, funding and national infrastructure, limiting a more equitable adoption of services across Latin America and the Caribbean.

In this context, the Position Paper calls for the integration of this advanced connectivity into the political priorities and bi-regional digital dialogue, promoting an ongoing public commitment that guarantees its open, reliable and non-commercial nature.

Priority areas for strategic use

The document identifies six areas where the coordinated use of this infrastructure can generate the greatest impact, particularly in scenarios where cross-border cooperation is essential:

• Data-intensive research: facilitating secure and rapid access to large volumes of scientific information.
• Artificial intelligence and advanced computing: enabling joint experimentation and the development of innovative solutions.
• Cybersecurity: promoting shared capabilities in the face of growing threats.
• Satellite data and Earth observation: supporting environmental, climate and agricultural monitoring.
• Virtual research environments: enabling remote collaboration between laboratories and research centres.
• High-performance computing (HPC): expanding access to advanced processing resources that many institutions cannot sustain on their own.

These areas reflect key sectors for scientific development, technological innovation and knowledge generation in an increasingly interconnected global environment.

Recommendations for sustained cooperation

The document proposes five lines of action to maximise the impact of this bi-regional connectivity:

1. Recognising it as a shared asset within EU–LAC digital cooperation.
2. Link its use to specific policy priorities and the outcomes of the bi-regional dialogue.
3. Prioritise long-term initiatives over isolated projects.
4. Promote inclusion and balance in access and use in both regions.
5. Ensure a sustained public commitment that preserves its value as open and reliable infrastructure.

A key step towards deeper collaboration

With this document, SPIDER provides evidence and strategic guidance to move towards more structured and lasting cooperation between Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Position Paper not only reinforces the importance of connectivity enabled by the BELLAII project as a technological enabler, but also highlights its role as a catalyst for innovation, open science and international collaboration for the benefit of both regions.

The full report is available to the public and includes a detailed set of analyses and recommendations aimed at policymakers, academic institutions and stakeholders in the digital ecosystem. Download it at: https://spidernetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SPIDER-Position-Paper-on-Exploitation-of-BELLA.pdf.