All to often i find computer players (or myself) isolated in the corner of the map. When these races make contact with the rest of the Galactic Community they are primitive in terms of technology military and economic stature comapred to the other races. So, why not make wormholes form on random spots of the map. The number could be anywhere between 2-8 depending on the size of the galaxy. Each wormhole would link up to one other specific wormhole, causing a bridge.

Starships Unlimited had this feature and it added some serious depth to the strategic game. you could only detect and use the wromholes after you had discovered a certain technology. The only question that would need to be addressed: would influece travel through these wormholes? and how would they effect the range of your ships.