SERENATE Geographical issues Marko Bonac bonac@arnes.si

SERENATE - The objectives Strategic study into the evolution of research & education networking in Europe over the next 5 – 10 years. Looking into the technical, organizational and financial aspects, the market conditions and the regulatory environment. It will provide inputs to the policy-making of the EC, national governments and funding bodies, research institutions and research & education networks.

Part of the final study is: Report identifying issues related to the geographic coverage of European research and education networking

Description of report in the project proposal There is a strategic goal of providing “equal opportunities” for researchers from all European countries. The review will be made of the present status, including the availability and costs of both services and infrastructures, and an assessment provided of scenarios for improving the situation that are likely to be realistic. Recommendations may address the issue of appropriate cost-sharing models.

What has (will be) done The description of NRENs in EU Accession States (+Portugal and Greece) has been prepared for the “Report on the expected development of the regulatory situation in Europe relevant for the SERENATE project”. TERENA will send in a week or two the Compendium Questionnaire 2003 (deadline for completion 28 February 2003)

What is missing ? We are far away from providing “equal opportunities” for researchers from all countries in the European Research Area: Where are the problems ? How to close the gap ?

General view Lack of awareness of politicians and decision makers of the importance of Science and Technology for the general evolution of the economy and society. Relatively low R&D investment in Candidate countries in comparison to the EU average (0,6 % to 1,93 % GDP). What is the awareness of the importance of R&E networks ? Relatively high budgets of NRENs compared to the GDP of their countries.

Where are the most severe problems in the hierarchy Computer/laboratory equipment Local network Access network Metropolitan network National backbone International connectivity

What are the problems ? Lack of funds Shortage of appropriate infrastructure in the country High prices of the telecommunication infrastructure Not enough competition in this sector. Not enough demand. Regulatory problems. Shortage of managerial competence and skills Shortage of technical competence and skills

How large is the gap ? Comparing research networking elements in more and less developed European countries: International capacity: 1:1000 National links: 1:5000 The gap is bigger than ever before. BUT not for all candidate countries ! It is possible to close the gap!

How to continue with the report ? Suggestion: Complement the description of NRENs which has been prepared for the “Report on the expected development of the regulatory situation in Europe relevant for the SERENATE project”. Answer the TERENA Compendium Questionnaire Answer questions in an additional questionnaire (where are the problems, how to overcome them) We are here to find the right questions. The report should be written from these data (by a small group?)