As the world gets increasingly defined by digital interconnectedness, the European Union (EU) has started an ambitious initiative, the Indo-Pacific-European Hub for Digital Partnerships: Trusted Digital Technologies for Sustainable WellBeing (INPACE) project. Nested within the HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01 Program, this revolutionary effort seeks to redefine international collaboration in the digital landscape. At the forefront of this transformative Project is NIMS University, under the leadership of its Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Balvir S. Tomar. The extensive exploration into the farsighted perspective of Prof. Tomar has everyone unpacking his insights on the INPACE project and the strategic role NIMS University plays in shaping the future of digital partnerships.

The INPACE Project:

INPACE is dedicated to actively facilitating the execution of Digital Partnerships with Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore, as well as nurturing cooperation with India within the Trade and Technology Council framework. A fundamental aspect of INPACE is its organization of thematically focused discussions at the expert level across 17 strategic interest areas within Thematic Working Groups.

The primary goal is establishing a sustainable and interactive multi-stakeholder Indo-Pacific European Hub. This hub operates through three distinct pillars: Policy, which encompasses Digital Dialogues, Policy, and Education (Activity Cluster 1); the rollout of digital technologies, focusing on Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Well-being (Activity Cluster 2); and the advancement of key technologies, including Trustworthy Decision Support (Cluster 3), Chips of the Future (Cluster 4), and Future Networks (Cluster 5). To support the implementation of Digital Partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, INPACE will introduce the INPACE Community Platform.

These discussions aim to produce detailed and strategic outputs based on analytical work and profound domain knowledge. The initiative plans to host a total of 28 events, combining thematic and integrated approaches to provide extensive networking opportunities. INPACE employs a three-tiered intervention strategy, interconnecting the expert, government, and broader community of stakeholders. The system integrates co-creation, stakeholder engagement, and community building.

Of note is the weight placed on assessing digital technologies’ societal and humanistic impact and implications. INPACE commits to regular communication with the European Commission and policymakers to ensure configuration with on-going efforts and priorities. Through collaboration with Asian partners, INPACE guarantees that counterparts in partner countries are well-informed and supportive of the initiative’s activities. From its inception, INPACE will embed sustainability in its project execution, aspiring for the hub to evolve into a durable, expert-driven mechanism for EU-Indo-Pacific collaboration in Digital Technologies and potentially beyond.

Activity Cluster 1 within the INPACE initiative, “Digital Dialogues, Policy, and Education,” is a hub for encouraging collaborative efforts in the Indo-Pacific-European digital landscape. This cluster facilitates meaningful exchanges through Digital Dialogues, providing experts, policymakers, and stakeholders a platform to engage in informed discussions, share best practices, and explore innovative approaches. At its core, Activity Cluster 1 focuses on shaping effective policy frameworks, addressing regulatory considerations, and establishing legal structures that underpin sustainable digital partnerships. Simultaneously, it recognizes the role of education, aiming to enhance digital literacy and equip individuals with skills relevant to the evolving technological landscape. By engaging in focused discussions through Thematic Working Groups, the cluster generates strategic outputs rooted in deep domain knowledge, contributing to developing policies and educational initiatives aligned with the overarching goal of sustainable well-being in the digital era. Through networking opportunities and inclusive stakeholder engagement, Activity Cluster 1 aspires to create a vibrant and interconnected community with geographical boundaries for a collective commitment to advancing the Indo-Pacific-European digital ecosystem.

Activity Cluster 2 within the INPACE initiative is dedicated to “Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Well-being,” playing a part in shaping the digital landscape of the Indo-Pacific-European region. This cluster aids as an engine for progress, focusing on innovation and entrepreneurial endeavors that contribute to the overarching goal of sustainable well-being. By providing a structured platform for ideation and implementation, Activity Cluster 2 aims to assemble transformative solutions to societal challenges through digital technologies. It embraces a forward-thinking approach, encouraging developing and deploying leading-edge technologies that prioritize environmental sustainability, societal resilience, and economic well-being. Moreover, the cluster supports and empowers entrepreneurs, facilitating the creation of ventures that drive economic growth and align with principles of ethical business practices and social responsibility. Through strategic collaborations, knowledge sharing, and targeted interventions, Activity Cluster 2 envisions a digital ecosystem that thrives on innovation, developing a sustainable and prosperous future for the Indo-Pacific-European community.

Cluster 3 within the INPACE initiative is designated as “Trustworthy Decision Support,” representing a severe facet of the strategic roadmap of building digital partnerships in the Indo-Pacific-European region. This cluster addresses the imperative need for reliable and informed decision-making in the digital era. At its core, Cluster 3 focuses on advancing technologies that provide a trustworthy foundation for decision support, ensuring the integrity, security, and ethical considerations essential for sustainable well-being. By examining areas such as data governance, artificial intelligence, and cyber security, this cluster aims to fortify the digital infrastructure, empowering governments, industries, and communities with the tools needed to make informed and responsible decisions. The weight on trustworthiness highlights the pledge to ethical practices, transparency, and accountability, promoting an environment conducive to positive societal impact. Through collaborative efforts, research initiatives, and expert-level discussions, Cluster 3 seeks to lay the groundwork for a resilient and reliable digital ecosystem where decision-makers can navigate challenges and opportunities with confidence and integrity.

Cluster 4 within the INPACE initiative is titled “Chips of the Future,” demonstrating a strategic focus on advancing key technologies that underpin the digital landscape in the Indo-Pacific-European region. This cluster plays a major part in shaping the future of semiconductor technology and its applications. The fundamentals of Cluster 4 aim to drive innovation in chip design, manufacturing, and utilization, with a particular emphasis on sustainability and efficiency. By harnessing the potential of emerging technologies such as quantum computing, neuromorphic computing, and advanced materials, this cluster seeks to reformulate the capabilities of future chips. The vision extends beyond traditional computing, including a spectrum of applications from artificial intelligence to the Internet of Things (IoT). Through collaborative research, development initiatives, and expert-level discussions, Cluster 4 aspires to position the region at the forefront of semiconductor technology, ensuring that future chips meet the demands of an evolving digital landscape and contribute to sustainable well-being through energy efficiency and technological advancement.

Cluster 5 within the INPACE initiative is dedicated to “Future Networks,” serving as a cornerstone in the strategic vision for developing digital partnerships across the Indo-Pacific-European region. This cluster recognizes the role network infrastructures play in the digital era and aims to shape future networks for sustainable well-being. Cluster 5 focuses on advancing the design, deployment, and management of next-generation communication networks. Using modern technologies such as 5G, 6G, and beyond, this cluster envisions a network ecosystem that is not only highly efficient but also resilient, secure, and adaptive to the evolving needs of society. The emphasis on future networks extends beyond traditional telecommunications, covering an all-inclusive approach that includes smart cities, connected devices, and emerging technologies. Through collaborative research, innovation initiatives, and expert-level dialogues, Cluster 5 strives to create interconnected networks that empower communities, drive economic growth, and contribute to the sustainable development goals of the Indo-Pacific-European region.

The INPACE project represents a paradigm shift in how nations collaborate and innovate in the digital age. Conceived as a partner of the Project, the Czech Republic leads India towards INPACE, which aspires to establish a robust Indo-Pacific-European Hub dedicated to nurturing trusted digital technologies. This Project accentuates sustainable well-being, aligning with the global imperative to leverage technological advancements for societal benefit and environmental stewardship.

INPACE for Prof. (Dr.) Balvir S. Tomar is collaboration as well as an opportunity to bring positive change and international relationships and position NIMS University at the forefront of global innovation.

From Prof. Tomar’s perspective, the INPACE project bridges the Indo-Pacific region and Europe through digital innovation. The Project’s emphasis presents a unique opportunity to break down traditional barriers and forge new partnerships. It is necessary to envision Nims as institution linkages between academia, industry, and research institutions across borders. The collaborative spirit embedded in INPACE shares spirit with NIMS University’s ethos of providing a global perspective to its students and preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of an interconnected world.

The heart of the INPACE project lies in its dedication to implementing trusted digital technologies for sustainable well-being. This perspective lines up with NIMS University plans to promoting education that serves a higher purpose. The Chancellor sees the potential for INPACE to contribute significantly to solving complex societal challenges. Trusted digital technologies can revolutionize healthcare systems, provide innovative solutions to environmental issues, and address pressing concerns about poverty, inequality, and education.

Prof. Tomar envisions NIMS University actively participating in research initiatives, conferences, and collaborative projects that contribute to the betterment of society through technological advancements.

Five key themes that support the INPACE approach for Nims University:

• Research Excellence
• International Partnerships
• Innovation Ecosystem
• Educational Synergies
• Thought Leadership

Recognizing the profound impact of INPACE on the digital backdrop, Dr. Tomar stresses the educational implications of this transformative initiative. NIMS University is promising academic programs with the evolving demands of the digital age. The Chancellor envisions NIMS University as a nurturing ground for future leaders, equipped not only with technical skills but also with a deep understanding of the ethical, social, and environmental dimensions of technology. In this context, it plays a crucial role in shaping the curriculum and interdisciplinary studies and promoting a culture of innovation and critical thinking among its students.

The perspective extends beyond the immediate collaboration to the strategic leadership role that NIMS University can play in the INPACE project. It will become a center for talent, expertise, and innovation, contributing to the success of the Project and elevating the university’s global standing. With its diverse academic disciplines, research capabilities, and commitment to societal impact, the institution is well-positioned to be a key player in realizing the INPACE vision.

The INPACE project reflects the potential for transformative change and the strategic role that NIMS University can play in shaping the future of digital partnerships. The INPACE project has the potential to redefine digital alliances and to create a legacy of positive impact on a global scale. The journey ahead promises collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to a sustainable, interconnected future.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NIMS University and the European Union-Czech Republic, symbolizes a commitment to academic and cultural exchange. This alliance seeks to create a collaborative environment through student and faculty exchange programs, to harbour expressions of mutual understanding beyond borders.

It solidifies the words of honor between NIMS University and the European Union-Czech Republic to a collaborative future.This academic and cultural exchange collaboration seeks to break down barriers and create an environment where knowledge flows is not limited to borders.