The document discusses how network research and education networks (NRENs) can collaborate on and benefit from new technologies like software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV). Specifically, it notes that while NRENs cannot compete directly with well-funded corporate research or startups, they can create spaces to support innovation by these communities. It also outlines some potential opportunities for NRENs using SDN, such as building software-based layer 2 VPNs and offering virtual machines to content delivery networks during peak usage periods.