EU-LAC Strategic Partnership for the Implementation of Digital Dialogues in R&I Cooperation

SPIDER aims to support the exploitation of the full potential of the newly established BELLA network and the implementation of the outcomes of EU-LAC dialogues in the context of digitalisation and R&I.SPIDER proposes a multi-stakeholder approach to enable the development of an EU-LAC strategic partnership. SPIDER will engage relevant R&I stakeholders from EU and LAC more actively and strategically in supporting dialogues and creating a common and orchestrated vision and strategy for the exploitation of the full potential of BELLA network and the implementation of the outcomes of digital dialogues enhancing EU-LAC cooperation in R&I.SPIDER will adopt a human-centred and participatory approach, combined with an inclusive and intersectional perspective to support the development of strategic partnerships to stimulate the use of digital technologies that can benefit from BELLA and are relevant for EU-LAC R&I cooperation.At the core of this strategy is the EU-LAC Digital Dialogues Implementation Forum (DIF) that is unique of its kind in international cooperation in R&I and will serve as a multi-stakeholder platform to foster dialogues and exchange of best practices to support the implementation of digital dialogues’ commitments. Furthermore, DIF Working Groups will support the adoption of a human-centred approach to technology development, alongside Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) principles. Coupled with this, SPIDER will assess the use of BELLA and identify pathways for its future exploitation by engaging key actors of the digital ecosystem in project activities. Moreover, SPIDER will implement a Twinning Programme to foster digital partnerships by connecting EU and LAC innovation hubs that can seize the opportunities of BELLA for digital transformation. On top of that, a cascade of events, including Dialogue Forum events, focus groups, call for ideas, webinars and workshops, demo-days and a final conference will support the project actions.