The workshop was organized by the European Commission SEE-GRID-2 project (South-East European GRID e-Infrastructure Development) with the support of the Greek Research and Technology Network (GRNET).

The workshop brought together delegates from 12 countries of the South-East European Region, including representatives of various regional ministries and national authorities, who provide support for the deployment of national-level e-Infrastructures. The European Commission representative of the DG-INFSOM “GÉANT & e-Infrastructure”, as well as representatives of National Research and Education Networks and National Grid Initiatives, who implement the national-level e-Infrastructures, were also present.

An overview of EC-sponsored initiatives targeting at regional development was presented. The SEEREN and SEEGRID projects were presented as flagship projects that established the SEE regional networking and Grid computing e-Infrastructure.

Furthermore, participants exchanged experience regarding the current status of e-Infrastructures in all countries of the region and an overview regarding the national-level support for e-Infrastructures was provided.

Finally, the policy-makers engaged in an open dialogue. A number of countries have in the past strongly contributed towards local NRN funding and network interconnections at a regional level, as well as towards diverse Grid programs at a national level. The importance of the awareness of the necessity of national-level programs and financial support for electronic infrastructures at a country level, in order to complement the EC initiatives, was pointed out.

The delegates agreed on the fact that the region has to use the current momentum to work together towards implementing a common vision and regional strategy that will be sustainable in its funding, operations and use in a much longer term.

About SEE-GRID-2: http://www.wbc-inco.net/org/872.html
About GRNET: [http://www.wbc-inco.net/org/871.html

Source: GRNET website