Our approach
Countries differ in terms of their needs and funding mechanisms. This is why there is no 'one size fits all' approach to developing a sustainable NREN. We therefore advocate a proactive and positive approach when preparing reports and submissions, rather than one that opens by describing the NREN and then defending the case for its existence. It is important to realise that an NREN is fundamentally a vehicle to tackle national challenges. We therefore recommend to outline these challenges first, and then present the NREN as the logical, cost-effective and most effectual way to overcome them.
The core of making a case for a sustainable NREN is
The business model should include the mission, services and structure of the NREN. There is no straightforward, single Business Model formula as many factors depends on local circumstances. To be most effective, the development of a Business Model should be an iterative process carried out in cooperation with stakeholders.
Recommended steps for developing a business model: |
We propose to first concentrate on the needs of the various stakeholders in your country. Stakeholders encompass a significantly broader group than just the higher education and research communities, as is often perceived. They usually include government agencies, other funding bodies, national telecom operators, national healthcare and economic development organisations, and many others. Consequently, we have developed a
needs/stakeholder matrix table that can help you identify your stakeholders, their needs and map their priorities. |
The next step is to identify and determine the services needed to satisfy your stakeholders’ needs in order to develop the optimal NREN model for your country.
To compete with commercial ISPs, NRENs need to ensure that their development focus is targeted on the supply of demand-led value added services, that are characterised by at least one of the following differentiation criteria*: - Gap reduction
Reduce the distance between
network services and the needs that have been identified -
Service uniqueness
Offer services that cannot be supplied by commercial ISPs -
Economy of scale
Exploit the economies of scale that the R&E networking community offers (NREN members are often from large communities that, if joined, represent mayor buying potential) -
Localisation
Provide services that members can customise to the particular needs within their communities
The resulting service portfolio must truly support and meet the needs of potential members and other stakeholders, rather than serve as a 'warm blanket' to provide comfort. Multiple interactions are necessary to build this mind share and trust and for members to feel 'ownership' over the services that an NREN provides. An overview of NREN services, from connectivity services to collaboration support services (e.g. cloud services) is available from the
GÉANT Association Compendium. |
The final step is to develop the Business Model and Financial Plan for the NREN. These will describe the organisation in terms of service portfolio, network architecture, organisational structure, governance and finances. |
*adapted from the GÉANT publication GÉANT Value Added Services.
