Project Overview
LERNet, informally managed by the National University of Laos (NUOL), sought formal recognition as Laos' National Research and Education Network (NREN). Through strategic high-level seminars and comprehensive online outreach activities, this Asia@Connect funded initiative successfully built stakeholder engagement, formed a collaborative working group, and produced a comprehensive master proposal to advance LERNet's official recognition and foster regional collaboration.
Policy Awareness
Building NREN awareness among national policymakers and government stakeholders
Stakeholder Engagement
Forming collaborative working groups across ministries, universities, and ISPs
Master Proposal
Developing comprehensive framework for LERNet's official establishment
Digital Presence
Establishing online platforms for sustained visibility and community engagement
Project Objectives
Primary Goal
Increase awareness of NREN's importance among policymakers, build a working group, and finalize a master proposal for LERNet's official establishment.
Policymaker Awareness
Build comprehensive understanding among government officials about the strategic importance of National Research and Education Networks.
Working Group Formation
Create a national working group comprising stakeholders from ministries, universities, and internet service providers.
Master Proposal Development
Develop a comprehensive master proposal outlining governance, structure, and implementation framework for LERNet.
Digital Outreach Platform
Launch dedicated website and social media platforms for sustained public outreach and community engagement.
Regional Collaboration
Foster connections with regional NRENs to share expertise and best practices for network development.
Project Activities Timeline
Inception Meeting & Opening Ceremony
Half-day meeting with MES policymakers identified key stakeholders and set the agenda for engaging ministries, universities, and ISPs for future collaboration.
Project Management & Administration
Dedicated admin team and finance personnel ensured oversight, handling planning, reporting, procurement, and coordination throughout the project period.
Seminar I - Kickoff
Engaged 44 participants across ministries, ISPs, and universities. Featured speakers from LEARN, BdREN, and DrukREN. Successfully formed a national working group.
Online Platform Development
Developed lernet.org website and Facebook page to publish news, documents, and events, enhancing visibility and promoting long-term public engagement.
Seminar II - Wrap-up
Validated and revised the draft master proposal. Featured speakers from ThaiREN, MyREN, and BKNIX shared expertise. Final proposal was accepted and future steps agreed.
Key Outcomes
Working Group Established
Representatives from MES, MTC, ISPs, and universities successfully collaborated to define LERNet's roadmap and organizational structure.
Master Proposal Completed
Comprehensive final proposal defining governance, finance, structure, and institutional placement for LERNet's official recognition was successfully developed.
Stakeholder Awareness Raised
High-level seminars significantly increased understanding of NREN benefits among policymakers, strengthening support across all sectors.
Institutional Commitment Secured
ITC at NUOL was elevated as the central coordinating body to manage LERNet roles and responsibilities going forward.
Online Presence Established
Professional website and social media presence enabled consistent visibility and outreach to wider academic and public communities.
Regional Network Integration
Established connections with regional NRENs fostering knowledge sharing and collaborative development opportunities.
Partner Organizations
National University of Laos (NUOL)
Primary coordinating institution managing LERNet operations and strategic development
Information Technology Center (ITC), NUOL
Technical coordination and infrastructure management for network operations
Lao Education and Research Network (LERNet)
Core network infrastructure serving educational and research institutions
Ministry of Education and Sports (MES)
Policy framework and educational sector coordination
Ministry of Technology and Communications (MTC)
Technology policy and telecommunications regulatory oversight
ETL, Unitel, Best Telecom, LTC Telecom
Commercial internet infrastructure and connectivity solutions
LEARN, BdREN, DrukREN, ThaiREN, MyREN
Regional expertise sharing and collaborative network development
Challenges & Gaps
Low Initial Awareness
Policymakers had limited understanding of NREN roles and LERNet's strategic value, requiring extensive foundational discussions and education.
Lack of Formal Recognition
LERNet was not a government-approved body, creating complications in stakeholder coordination and advocacy efforts.
Engagement Coordination Difficulties
Scheduling and confirming attendance from high-level policymakers presented ongoing logistical challenges throughout the project.
Limited Financial Buffer
Project proceeded without pre-financing initially, creating temporary administrative strain and resource management challenges.
Future Directions
Master Proposal Submission
Present the finalized comprehensive proposal to MES for formal recognition and official adoption of LERNet as Laos' National Research and Education Network.
Expand Digital Outreach
Continue updating and expanding online platforms to promote services, collaborations, and new events, maintaining community engagement.
Sustain Working Group Engagement
Retain and activate the formed consortium for further development phases, policy advocacy, and implementation of network services.
Policy-Level Endorsement
Initiate high-level dialogue for regulatory support, funding mechanisms, and government-level endorsement of NREN importance.