Applied Research for Strengthening the Internet in Latin America and the Caribbean

08/04/2025

By Alessia Zucchetti, Research and Cooperation Projects Coordinator at LACNIC

Between 2021 and 2025, LACNIC has implemented an Applied Research work cycle centered on collaboration with academic institutions and research groups across the region. This initiative has been carried out by the Development and Cooperation Department together with the Technology Department but is independent of the specific research conducted by LACNIC in areas such as research and development and/or measurements. Since the beginning, this project has concentrated on collaborating with research groups with ongoing projects, preliminary findings, and solutions to real-life problems.

Applied research aims to solve concrete problems with real-world applications and the potential to generate solutions that may be of use to Internet operators. Thus, applied research possesses a distinctive component that—despite its importance—emphasizes not only the creation of theoretical knowledge but also the exchange, transfer, dissemination, and application of technical content by the Internet operators community. Over the past four years, this work has evolved, adapting to the needs, challenges, and learning opportunities identified along the way.

Genesis of the Project and Phases in Its Evolution

The project seeks to contribute to both the regional technical community and the work of researchers, providing them with a perspective focused on the practical and effective application of their work.

Since its inception, this project has gone through various phases and consolidating itself as a dynamic effort in constant evolution.

In this sense, the project identifies institutions and research groups in the region, analyzes their needs and challenges, and establishes collaborative agreements for offering feedback and guidance. Additionally, knowledge exchange and dissemination initiatives are created to promote an effective connection with the technical community. The goal of these actions is to strengthen the development of innovative solutions aligned with LACNIC’s research lines and axes, combining the interests, needs, and challenges of the various groups involved.

Another key aspect of this process is coordination with the industry. The participation of industry representatives in LACNIC events has helped strengthen the ties between academic research and its practical application in production environments. For academic institutions, this connection represents a valuable opportunity to create a practical impact, secure funding for the development of new solutions, and contribute to the technological advancement of the region.

Dissemination, Transfer, and Exchange of Knowledge

A core aspect of the project is the dissemination of the knowledge that is generated. LACNIC’s research groups and technical teams have jointly published multiple papers in international peer-reviewed journals and given multiple presentations at specialized conferences.

While publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals is essential to ensure the quality and academic rigor of the knowledge that is created, it is also necessary to make this knowledge accessible to the technical and operational community. To achieve this, LACNIC has worked on translating and simplifying the findings and solutions, aligning them with the specific challenges and needs of the sector. LACNIC also provides spaces for presentations and feedback both within the framework of its events—particularly at the LACNIC Technical Forum—as well as through specific activities promoting interaction between the community and academia. All these initiatives are essential parts of this process.

In the coming years, dissemination both within the academic/scientific community as well as among the technical community will remain a priority, with an emphasis on the use of different formats and the creation of products to help the operations community understand, apply, and use the findings. This effort will allow the findings of applied research to potentially impact the technical community and contribute to the solution of specific challenges related to the strengthening of the Internet.

Evolution and Synergies

The research supported by LACNIC has followed a dynamic and constantly adapting approach. This has allowed research groups to access additional funding and collaboration opportunities, beyond the activities carried out with LACNIC.

The project has also promoted the participation of university students, professors, and teachers in initiatives such as the IT Women Mentoring Program, the Measurements Group, the FRIDA Program, and the LACNIC Campus, among others. This demonstrates how the research groups participating in collaborations have not only positioned themselves as leaders within their respective universities but also engaged with other organizations in the sector.

2025: Expansion and New Challenges

This year, efforts will focus on working with the five academic institutions and research groups, while also creating additional resources for the dissemination, transfer, and exchange of knowledge with the Internet technical community. Additionally, the scope of our survey has expanded significantly. Compared to 44 universities identified in 2022, the latest survey now includes 85 universities across 15 countries, 14 specific centers/labs/institutes working on related topics, 36 research groups, 17 research/outreach vice rectorates, 14 research directorates, and 108 specific references across the region. These numbers reflect a substantial growth of the regional applied research ecosystem, consolidating a robust framework for future collaborations.

In summary, LACNIC’S applied research project is built on four key pillars: interconnection between the technical community and academia, a focus on specific problems with real-world applications, articulation with the industry, and effective dissemination of knowledge. These elements ensure a positive impact in the region and contribute to the development of innovative and sustainable solutions for strengthening the Internet in Latin America and the Caribbean.

For more information or to get in touch with the participating institutions or their representatives, please contact investigacionaplicada@lacnic.net or go to https://www.lacnic.net/6766/2/lacnic/applied-research