Networking Roundtable

How Does Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure Drive National Geospatial Ecosystem Maturity? (Open to All)

Date: 8th September 2025 // Time: 1600-1800 hrs // Hall – Cirrus B

Background

Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure is a strategic blueprint that necessitates a paradigmatic shift and integrates digital economies, societies, and citizens with geospatial approaches, data, and technologies. The next frontier for geospatial ecosystem evolution, GKI emerges as a comprehensive, future-ready framework that enables geospatial information to be contextualized, operationalized and monetized, thus driving National Geospatial Ecosystem maturity.

Although GKI emerges as a strategic imperative and a core enabler of long-term progress, broad engagement, and growth, significant disparities persist in country performances across its enabling architecture. The core architecture of GKI — including Infrastructure, Institutional Capacity, Industry Ecosystem, Policy Landscape and User Adoption — exposes critical fault lines and structural deficiencies that, when addressed, can unlock the full potential of National Geospatial Ecosystems. Despite America's robust geospatial performance as a regional bloc, national geospatial ecosystems within the continent, like the US, face constraints from policy fragmentation & risk mitigation challenges. Similarly, Canada faces persistent challenges related to siloed data and limited adoption of emerging technologies.

As National Geospatial Ecosystems advance in digital maturity and align with developmental goals, economic, and global sustainability goals, countries must adopt comprehensive strategies to build a dynamic Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure. Defining institutional roles, establishing monitoring mechanisms, fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, driving innovation, and capacity building will be essential in strengthening these national ecosystems.

Purpose of the Networking Roundtable

At the third annual GeoGov Summit, held September 8-10 at Hyatt Regency Dulles, Virginia, US, Geospatial World will host a high-level networking roundtable. The summit aims to mobilize strategic stakeholders from geospatial, space and hydrographic domains across government, industry and academia to:

  • Promoting focused dialogue on the Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure’s foundational role in advancing the National Geospatial Ecosystem
  • Enabling critical insight into how GKI’s multipronged strategy drives tactical investments that enhance cross-sectoral governance, spur innovation and promote capability development, strengthening the national geospatial landscape
  • Analyzing cross-country structural weaknesses and redundancies that impede the National geospatial ecosystem's progress, while deliberating on context-specific solutions to address these challenges

Objectives

Raising Awareness on GKI’s Role in Strengthening National Geospatial Ecosystems

Discussions will highlight GKI’s fundamental architectures, such as institutional capacity, policy landscape, user adoption, industry ecosystem and infrastructures, emphasizing their significant economic growth, developmental potential in strengthening National Geospatial Ecosystems.

Advance Innovation and Capacity Building Efforts

Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure workflow integration Maturity Model, creating complex awareness on the strategic integration of 4IR technologies that seamlessly embed geospatial intelligence into operational processes. Discussions will focus on building capacity and innovation ecosystems in the geospatial sector.

Enabling Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue & Collaboration

Highlight GKI’s enabling approach to sectoral partnerships that empowers stakeholders to drive innovation, unlock revenue, and advance National Geospatial Ecosystems.

Influence Data Governance & Policy Harmonization

Participants will explore data strategies that help optimize data governance by enhancing data quality and provenance. Discussions will revolve around cross-sectoral governance and coordination, learning strategies to address gaps in policy harmonization, data governance and cross-sectoral program design.

Proposed Agenda

Monday, September 08, 2025

Networking Roundtable on How Does Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure Drive National Geospatial Ecosystem Maturity? (Followed by Reception)

1600-1615 hrs.

Session 1: Welcome and Opening Remarks

A brief introduction that showcases the pivotal role of Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure in strengthening National Geospatial Ecosystems.
Ananya Narain
Opening Presentation

Ananya Narain

Vice President - Consulting
Geospatial World

1615-1645 hrs.

Session 2: Key note and Opening Panel Discussions

Theme: How Does Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure Drive National Geospatial Ecosystem Maturity?
Deirdre Dalpiaz Bishop

Deirdre Dalpiaz Bishop

Chief, Geography Division
U.S. Census Bureau

Megan Compton

Megan Compton

Senior NSDI Advisor | NGAC Manager
Federal Geographic Data Committee

Ronda Schrenk

Ronda Schrenk

Chief Executive Officer
US Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF)

Cy Smith

Cy Smith

State GIO and MassGIS Director
State of Massachusetts

Siva Ravada

Siva Ravada

Vice President - Development
Oracle

Amy Rose

Amy Rose

Chief Technology Officer
Overture Maps Foundation

1645-1715 hrs.

Session 3: Panel Discussion: GKI's Role in Strengthening National Geospatial Ecosystems

An interactive panel discussion that brings together participants from a rich and varied geospatial ecosystem (Government, Industry, Academia). The discussion will highlight how the Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure (GKI) framework acts as a foundational enabler to strengthen the resilience of National Geospatial Ecosystems. The exchange will emphasize the pivotal challenges related to data fragmentation, technology diffusion and policy harmonization and ideate strategies to overcome the same.
1715-1745 hrs.

Session 4: Interactive Discussion Session Topic: Strengthening the Geospatial Industry Ecosystem through GKI Workflow Integration Maturity Model

This discussion will bring together stakeholders from a diverse and extensive geospatial ecosystem, including Government, Industry, and Academia. The discussion will focus on outlining how the strategic application of the GKI Workflow Integration model can build a resilient, innovative and collaborative national geospatial ecosystem.
1745-1800 hrs.

Synthesis: Conclusions and Future Roadmap

Framing a strategic blueprint for change, enabling rapid acceleration in GKI integration.
Supriya Krishnan
Conclusion

Supriya Krishnan

Associate Partner - Consulting
Geospatial World

Expected Outcomes

  • Strengthening National Geospatial Ecosystem Through GKI Integration: The workshop will help participants develop strategic frameworks that address the readiness gaps in the national geospatial ecosystems.
  • Advancing Value-Driven Models for National Geospatial Impact: Participants will learn to articulate strategic, economic and societal benefits of geospatial knowledge infrastructure and its impact on the national geospatial ecosystem.
  • Advanced Innovation and Capability Using GKI Frameworks: Attendees will gain practical knowledge of the GKI Workflow Integration Maturity Model, helping embed geospatial intelligence into operations and build future-ready skill sets.
  • Optimised Data Governance and Policy Harmonization: Delegates will explore data governance models and policy frameworks and learn to mitigate policy fragmentation, enhance data interoperability, and foster cross-sectoral coordination at the federal, state, and local levels.

Target Participants

  • Participants who are already attending GeoGov 2025.
  • Senior government officials and policymakers from federal, state, and local governments involved in geospatial, space and hydrographic infrastructure.
  • Officials from all levels of government in digital transformation, data governance and information technology.
  • Academia, research organizations, experts and students specializing in geospatial sciences, data science, digital innovation and policy making.
  • Representatives from international organizations, Multilateral development banks, and developmental agencies.
  • Start-ups, entrepreneurs and industry stalwarts from the geospatial, space and hydrographic ecosystems who are working on next-generation business models.