Adam Kronk to Lead Keynote at 2026 Internet2 Community Exchange

Adam Kronk, director of research and external engagement at the University of Notre Dame’s Institute for Ethics and the Common Good, will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Internet2 Community Exchange (CommEX26). The event is scheduled to take place from April 13 to 16 in Chicago. Kronk’s presentation, titled “The DELTA Strategy: Navigating the Next Decade of Digital Transformation and AI,” aims to address critical challenges facing research and higher education leaders.

During his keynote on April 14, Kronk will discuss the implications of rapidly integrating artificial intelligence into educational practices. He will explore several pressing concerns, including workforce disruption, uncertainties surrounding federal funding, and heightened scrutiny regarding institutional return on investment (ROI). These themes are particularly relevant as institutions grapple with the evolving digital landscape.

Introducing the DELTA Framework

Kronk’s address will feature the DELTA framework, which stands for dignity, embodiment, love, transcendence, and agency. This framework emerges from a five-year initiative focused on promoting human flourishing in an era dominated by powerful AI technologies. According to Kronk, these principles provide a necessary foundation for institutional decision-making, enabling leaders to innovate effectively while demonstrating their value in a time of upheaval.

“At this year’s Community Exchange, as AI accelerates change across research and higher education institutions, innovation must remain grounded in people and purpose,” said Mike Erickson, interim vice president for Community Engagement and Impact at Internet2. He emphasized that Kronk’s insights will offer a practical and hopeful approach to advancing technology in ways that uphold shared values and promote the common good.

A Diverse Lineup of Speakers

Kronk is part of a distinguished lineup of speakers at CommEX26, which includes representatives from renowned institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University, Kansas State University, Northwestern University, and the University of California, Berkeley. Additional participants include leaders from organizations like GÉANT, SURF, and the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. This diverse array of speakers will provide a broad range of perspectives relevant to the global research and education community.

CommEX26 aims to gather research and education IT leaders, including chief information officers, network directors, and cloud architects. As Internet2 celebrates 30 years of community-driven progress, the conference will focus on critical topics such as AI innovation, cybersecurity resilience, and sustainable IT funding.

Unlike traditional technology conferences, the Internet2 Community Exchange is designed as a collaborative gathering created for and by the research and education community. The program will feature peer-led sessions and strategic forums aimed at developing actionable strategies for institutions navigating complex technology and policy environments. Registration for the event is currently open, and interested parties can learn more about the program through the Internet2 website.

About Internet2

Founded in 1996, Internet2 is a nonprofit, member-driven advanced technology community that serves 336 U.S. universities, 58 government agencies, and 46 regional education networks. Through these connections, Internet2 supports over 80,000 community anchor institutions and collaborates with over 1,000 InCommon participants and numerous industry partners. This extensive network facilitates a wide range of technology solutions that enhance educational, research, and community service missions.

Internet2’s core infrastructure includes the nation’s largest and fastest research and education network, which is designed to deliver advanced services tailored to the needs of its members. For more information, visit Internet2.