How Eurescom is Paving the Way for Digital Partnerships via the Indo-Pacific collaboration: INPACE

 

Adam Kapovits
Eurescom

Alessandro Bassi
Eurescom

As the digital transformation of global economies accelerates, fostering international cooperation in digital technology has become essential. To support this vision, the EU-funded INPACE project was launched in January 2024. INPACE plays an important role in supporting the implementation and advancement of the Digital Partnerships established between the European Union and key Indo-Pacific countries, including Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore, and through the Trade and Technology Council with India.

What is INPACE about?

The INPACE project, short for Indo-Pacific-European Hub for Digital Partnerships: Trusted Digital Technologies for Sustainable Well-Being, is a Coordination and Support Action designed to foster digital cooperation across the EU and the Indo-Pacific region. Running until June 2027, the project unites 21 European and Asian partners, creating a hub to support collaborative research, policy development, and industry connections. INPACE’s mission is to enhance digital technology partnerships and advance cooperation in strategic areas that benefit both regions. The digital partnerships cover an extremely wide range of technologies, notably through the collaboration in 16 Thematic Working Groups (TWGs) organised under 5 clusters (see Figure below).

The Context Behind INPACE: Strengthening EU-Asia Digital Cooperation

The European Union has made strides in building robust partnerships with Asia in digital technology fields. Guided by the EU’s Digital Compass Strategy and Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, Digital Partnerships were established with Japan and South Korea in 2022, and Singapore in 2023. Additionally, the EU initiated the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) with India to foster collaboration on technology and trade. These partnerships underscore a shared commitment to digital growth and emphasize the EU’s strategy to enhance cooperation on emerging digital technologies and develop policies for sustainable growth and resilience.

Objectives of INPACE

INPACE aims to turn these high-level partnerships into impactful projects by:

1. Supporting Digital Partnerships: Facilitating the EU’s Digital Partnerships and the TTC with India, translating these into tangible outcomes.
2. Boosting International Collaboration: Encouraging digital cooperation between Europe and Asia by connecting leading researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers.
3. Enhancing Research and Innovation Collaboration: Promoting joint research and industrial collaboration to drive technological advances and commercialization.
4. Fostering Policy Convergence: Supporting international digital policies to enhance synergies, inform policymaking, and facilitate international dialogue.
5. Promoting Human-Centered Technologies: Developing digital technologies that prioritize human-centric values for inclusivity, sustainability, and security.

The INPACE Symposium: Building Bridges in Digital Technology and Policy

The first INPACE Symposium on Digital Technologies and Policies took place on October 21-22, 2024, at the Daeyang AI Center, Sejong University, in Seoul, Republic of Korea. This two-day event brought together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders from Europe and the Indo-Pacific region to discuss key developments and policies in digital technology. Major topics included:

  • Trusted AI: Leveraging the power of AI responsibly, with an emphasis on ethics and reliability.
  • Semiconductor Innovation: Highlighting the latest advances in chip technology essential for digital infrastructures.
  • Future Networks: Analyzing the progress in next-generation connectivity and communication.
  • Cybersecurity: Addressing strategies to protect digital networks and data privacy.

Eurescom’s Dual Role at the INPACE ­Symposium

Eurescom plays a pivotal role at the INPACE Symposium with two significant contributions in the Technical Thematic Sessions and Workshops on October 21, 2024:

  • The first session on “5G/6G technologies” was moderated by Eurescom’s Project Manager Adam Kapovits. Joined by speakers professor Rui Aguiar, professor Hyonwoo Lee, and professor Sunwoo Kim, the session examined the current challenges in 6G development and with a focus on how Europe and the Republic of Korea can collaboratively address these issues, it surveyed the Republic of Korea and European 6G development strategies and research programmes. The technical discussion offered valuable insights into the future of connectivity and the various approaches and highlighted the potential for collaboration in next-generation networks development.
  • The second session, titled “EU Funding Opportunities” explored the new avenues for collaboration following the upcoming association of Republic of Korea with Horizon Europe. Moderated by Dr. Svetlana Klessova (GAC) and Adam Kapovits (Eurescom), the session outlined various funding opportunities within Horizon Europe, paying particular attention to Pillar II, which addresses global challenges and European industrial competitiveness. Dr. Klessova presented examples of Horizon Europe’s opportunities, while Mr. Kapovits discussed the Eureka programme, highlighting the CELTIC-NEXT initiative in which Korea is actively engaged.
    A Q&A session followed, providing participants an opportunity to connect directly with the INPACE consortium and explore collaborative funding options in more detail.

Looking Ahead: The Future Impact of INPACE

INPACE will continue to work and align the strategies to further the goals of the Digital Partnerships and the Trade and Technology Council (TTC), fostering deeper cross-continental cooperation, advancing research and technology development, and supporting policy alignment.

In the coming months, INPACE has an exciting line-up of activities, including a series of webinars and a one-day workshop on 6G to be held at the University of Tokyo during EU-Japan Digital Week from 31st March 2025 to 4th April 2025. The second major symposium of INPACE is planned for the Autumn of 2025 in Singapore, building on the momentum of collaboration and innovation across regions.

This continued partnership will not only drive technological advancement but also contribute to a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous digital future for Europe and the Indo-Pacific. The community is encouraged to stay tuned for these impactful events and initiatives that will further elevate digital cooperation and 6G innovation.

Further information


INPACE team after the first day of symposium workshops


INPACE symposium closing picture on Digital Technologies and policies in Seoul

Eurescom is taking a leading role in 6G innovation with the launch of the new SNS JU SUSTAIN-6G and SNS CO-OP projects

Pooja Mohnani
Eurescom

Uwe Herzog
Eurescom

Eurescom leads the Horizon Europe project SNS CO-OP, which is selected to support and enhance the Smart Networks and Services initiative by coordinating the strategic activities that capture and promote the European industry’s vision for 6G.

Through the lighthouse project SUSTAIN-6G, led by Nokia, Eurescom collaborates with a consortium of leading innovators and industrialists to develop a strategy for a sustainable future for ICT and the communications infrastructure at large. This includes developing technologies that prioritize environmental, economic, and societal sustainability for all future services.

Eurescom, a leading European provider of management and support services in the high-tech area, marks the launch of two pivotal collaborative research projects in January 2025. Under the umbrella of Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU), these projects aim to solidify and improve European leadership in 6G technology, fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven network ecosystem that supports the EU’s long-term ambitions for universal next-generation technologies.

SNS CO-OP: SNS COLLABORATIVE OPERATIONS AND OUTPUT OPTIMISATION

SNS CO-OP is dedicated to coordinating strategic activities and aligning industry efforts across the currently, 78 projects of the SNS JU. In order to advance European initiatives in smart communications networks and next-generation technology, SNS CO-OP will amplify the achievements of SNS projects, highlight Europe’s leadership in 6G, by building on the successes of the previous support activities in the SNS OPS and SNS ICE projects. SNS CO-OP will ensure that the impact of the SNS JU continues to evolve and expand by supporting future phases of 6G development across the EU and beyond.

The SNS CO-OP consortium, is composed of 22 key partners,and will be led Uwe Herzog, Programme Manager, Eurescom. This project will ensure a seamless transition of the SNS support activities for the next two years. The carefully structured work plan of SNS CO-OP is designed to support and assist delivering the global impact of the key 6G developments as envisioned in the SNS work programme. It will establish and maintain a dialogue in the wider European 6G SNS community to consolidate the European Industry view on 6G and to promote the European vision around the world.

SUSTAIN-6G: SUSTainability-Advanced and Innovative Networking with 6G

SUSTAIN-6G aims to ensure that future 6G networks contribute to sustainable growth across key sectors. This unique approach will examine sustainability impacts across the full life-cycle of 6G technology, and apply the developed insights across multiple vertical sectors. By identifying key intersections between sustainability needs and the capabilities of 6G, the project will clarify the ways in which 6G can be used to responsibly drive economic and societal benefits.

SUSTAIN-6G’s mission is clear: to make sustainability integral to the design, deployment, and operation of 6G networks. SUSTAIN-6G will help shape a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive digital future.

Together, SNS CO-OP and SUSTAIN-6G represent a significant part of the unified European SNS Initiative to advance 6G networks that are highly performant but also resilient and responsible. While SNS CO-OP will foster collaboration and strategic alignment across the large and diverse 6G SNS community, SUSTAIN-6G will bring a focused approach to sustainable technology development, considering both the immediate and long-term impacts of 6G technology on society, the environment, and the economy.

Further information

Editorial

Dear readers,

As we lay the groundwork for 6G, the balance between progress and preservation is critical. While the next generation of wireless technology, promises phygital ie seamlessly integrate both the physical and digital worlds. This is quite exciting, but it must not come at the expense of our planet. Through collaboration, innovation, and commitment to sustainability, we can ensure that 6G becomes a beacon of responsible technological advancement.

With this vision, efforts are directed to create a unified 6G, driven by key stakeholders worldwide, evolving to global consensus. The European perspective, represented by the 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA), underlines Europe´s proactive role in 6G Research and Development (R&D) and standardisation, addressing societal, environmental, economic and market challenges.

To understand the implications of sustainability in 6G, we reached out to leading expert from Nokia, for an exclusive interview for the Eurescom message and gathered insights on the core value of sustainability for ICT industry.

This issue of Eurescom message magazine features a diverse range of articles on various ICT-related activities including learnings derived from the Sustainability Task force of the Smart Network and Services initiative,Technology board. The TB of the SNS JU oversees and supports the technical work of SNS Projects and the implementation of the SNS-Initiative. One of the most important task forces is the Sustainability Task Force, created in 2023 which monitors the project activities and advocate the need for a globally accepted framework that must have specific and measurable indicators to evaluate the success in meeting sustainability goals.

When sustainability becomes a key aspect of innovation, the results are not only impactful but also enduring. This is the aim of projects led by Eurescom, the EU funded Project PAROMA-MED aims to develop novel technologies, tools, services and architectures for patients, health professionals, data scientists and health domain businesses and share their Sustainable practices that enable Privacy Awareness and Privacy Preserving Distributed services and applications in medical sector.

In the article “How can 6G-SANDBOX as an experimental platform contribute to assess sustainability?” you get the glimpse of 6G-SANDBOX experimental facility and how it is being developed to validate concepts and ideas around sustainability.

In this edition, the KENNEDY Perspective on “Sustainable sustainability” reflects on the evolution of telecommunications networks and how techno-economic balancing act between the costs of providing the connectivity versus the costs of the materials and equipment is critical! And the final search to the answer: how to deliver services at a reasonable affordable price to the consumers?

With Eurescom’s active engagement, we showcased our participation at the EuCNC & 6G Summit 2024, and made a significant impact at the Summit with representation of SNS OPS & SNS ICE projects via the SNS JU booth, organization of workshop titled “Non-Terrestrial Networks and Terrestrial Networks Unification – from Vision to Reality”, presentation and demonstration from projects CENTRIC and CHARITY, Moderating the SNS JU Workshop, promoting the need for inclusion and diversity and presenting at the WiTaR Working Group Session etc.

Continuing the trend, the FUSECO Forum was another Strategic telecommunications industry event where we presented, on the sustainability needs, challenges faced by 6G and Verticals, and the actions required to address these challenges. As a part of the INPACE Support Action the workshop on the Digital Partnerships between the EU and the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Singapore, was organized. At the exhibition space, project 6G-SANDBOX presented and demonstrated the latest project results. The vision for integrating Terrestrial Network(TN) and Non Terrestrial Network(NTN) for 5G-Advanced, focusing on network disaggregation, multi-connectivity, and space edge computing, was also presented.

Additionally, Eurescomians participated in several other high-profile events like Berlin 6G Conference, Digital-Gipfel, NEM Summit 2024, 5G Techritory etc. reaffirming our dedication to driving advancements in next-generation communication technologies, with a focus on 6G by engaging in collaborative workshops, panel discussions, and strategic initiatives.

We continue to shape the future of telecom, tackling key industry and leading role in 6G innovation with the launch of the new Horizon Europe SUSTAIN-6G and SNS CO-OP projects starting in January 2025.

As the digital transformation of global economies accelerates, fostering international cooperation in digital technology has become essential. To support this vision, the EU-funded INPACE project was launched in January 2024 plays an important role in supporting the implementation and advancement of the Digital Partnerships established between the European Union and key Indo-Pacific countries, including Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore, and through the Trade and Technology Council with India.

My editorial colleagues and I are confident that you will find valuable insights in this edition of Eurescom’s Message. We warmly welcome your feedback on the current issue and invite your suggestions for topics to explore in future editions. Let us know if you are interested to join forces with us!

Happy reading!

Pooja Mohnani
Editor-in-chief

12th FUSECO Forum 2024

Anastasius Gavras
Eurescom GmbH

The FUSECO Forum is a highlight industry event around telecommunications and its applications, taking place every November in Berlin. This year the event took place for the 12th time and was under the overarching theme of “Forward to 6G”, despite the fact that the industry is still in the process of deploying 5G capabilities beyond plain enhanced mobile broadband service. Activities, in which Eurescom GmbH is actively involved and partly leading have supported the event.

Introduction

As we delve into the evolution of 5G, driven by advancements in Open Campus Networks, 6G RAN, Core Network Evolution, Non-terrestrial Networks, and Data-/AI-based Networking, the FUSECO Forum provided an excellent opportunity for listening to expert opinions and network with interested parties from the industry. The event reflected the lessons learned from global 5G network deployments and research. It also highlighted the growing interest in private industrial campus networks as industries gear up for the 6G era as well as the very fast emerging role of Non-Terrestrial Networks.


Anastasius Gavras, Eurescom GmbH, presenting INPACE project sustainability goals

Sustainability

In his presentation, Anastasius Gavras from Eurescom GmbH discussed directions towards developing a sustainability framework for 6G technology, addressing environmental, societal, and economic aspects, including its applicability to key vertical sectors. The intersections between sustainability needs, challenges faced by 6G and verticals, as well as the actions required to address these challenges were discussed. Since the relevant sustainability aspects (environmental, societal, economic) cannot be fully addressed in isolation, innovative concepts and solutions are required, which consolidate a holistic view on gaps and trade-offs in technology, processes, and methodologies. Ultimately the industry needs guidelines, best practices, and roadmaps, which are validated through prototypes and proof-of-concepts. In this context.

INPACE workshop

Adam Kapovits from Eurescom GmbH, organised and chaired the workshop on the Digital Partnerships between the EU and the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Singapore, which was part of the INPACE Support Action[i] activities. Mr. Kapovits gave an overview of the INPACE activities in this context, which were followed by examples of collaboration between stakeholders from the aforementioned regions. Among others the collaboration between EU and Japan actors in the context of the SATis5 project funded by the European Space Agency was discussed. Dr. Kentaro Ishizu from NICT, Japan gave an overview of ­Beyond 5G/6G R&D activities at NICT especially focusing on a vision of Society 5.0 and cyber physical system (CPS). Prof. François Baccelli from INRIA Télécom / ENS (Département d’Informatique), Paris, presented the joint work with South Korean colleagues on Stochastic Geometry as a means to master complexity that results from the high number of new radio access technologies and used frequencies.


Adam Kapovits, Eurescom GmbH, at the INPACE workshop

3rd Euro NTN Workshop

The workshop was co-organised by Adam Kapovits, together with Markus Breitbach from DT and Marius Corici from Fraunhofer FOKUS, and chaired by Adam Kapovits and Anastasius Gavras, and covered a wide variety of topics related to the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (TN and NTN).

The unified 3D mobile network architecture aims to seamlessly integrate terrestrial, aerial, and satellite layers, focusing on IoT, handheld access, and safety-critical operations. Emphasizing the need for native NTN support in 6G, the talks reviewed 3GPP standardization efforts to eliminate mobile network coverage gaps. Ongoing and shortly upcoming experiments with 5G NTN gNodeB in space were presented and discussed, highlighting the seamless integration of terrestrial and space networks. The evolution of NTN within 5G and the need for a jointly optimized infrastructure in 6G for continuous connectivity were also highlighted.

Additionally, the challenges and optimization methods for TN-NTN spectrum sharing to avoid interference and maintain coverage were discussed. The presentation of a 6G satellite lab for real-time testing of technical challenges and new features, including satellite base stations and advanced 6G waveforms, showcased the innovative strides being made. The vision for integrating TN and NTN for 5G-Advanced, focusing on network disaggregation, multi-connectivity, and space edge computing, was also presented. Resource management challenges in integrated 5G/6G networks to maximize capacity and meet user needs, creating a dynamic 3D access network, were discussed. Lastly, approaches to modelling NTN using stochastic geometry, focusing on Low Earth Orbit satellite constellations and spectral efficiency, were presented.

6G-SANDBOX

At the exhibition space, project 6G-SANDBOX presented and demonstrated the latest project results. Michael Dieudonne, R&D manager at Keysight Technologies Belgium and the project manager of 6G-SANDBOX staffed the booth and gave valuable insights to the visitors.

The project supports technology and research validation processes essential for the development of 6G. It introduces the concept of Trial Networks, which are fully configurable, manageable, and controlled end-to-end networks composed of both digital and physical nodes. The project focuses on defining and releasing its architecture and processes for an experimentation facility, integrating 6G technologies into a physical connectivity infrastructure, and developing a resource management framework to efficiently deploy trial networks. The goal is to create a platform for 6G technology validation and KPI measurements. Eurescom GmbH is a partner in the 6G SANDBOX project.


Michael Dieudonne, Keysight Technologies, presenting 6G-SANDBOX latest project results

Conclusion

The FUSECO Forum event held in Berlin on November 7-8, 2024, was a comprehensive and forward-looking gathering that delved into the evolution of 5G and the future of 6G. This event brought together experts from around the world to discuss the latest innovations and lessons learned from global public and private 5G network deployments, as well as 5G evolution research and standardization. Overall, the FUSECO Forum provided valuable insights into the future of telecommunications, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in shaping the next generation of connectivity.

Further information

Eurescom’s Presence at the EuCNC & 6G Summit 2024


Audrey Bienvenu
Eurescom GmbH

Showcasing Innovation through Collaboration in Telecommunications

From 3rd -6th June 2024, the 33rd edition of EuCNC & 6G Summit took place in Antwerp, Belgium. The conference addressed various aspects of Beyond 5G/6G communications systems and networks. Bringing together the State-of-the art research and global industries and businesses, attracting more than 1000 delegates from 40 countries, an exhibition with more than 50 exhibitors, were selected Eurescom projects for demonstrating the technology developed in EU R&I programmes.

SNS JU Stand via SNS OPS Project

Eurescom co-hosted the Smart Network and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) stand at EuCNC 2024, through the SNS OPS project. This project serves as a collaborative platform for European and global stakeholders involved in preparing 6G smart networks and services.

At the booth, SNS OPS was joined by its sister project SNS ICE and presented SNS JU’s recent achievements and promoted its strategic objectives in 6G development.

By fostering connections with international regions and standardization bodies, SNS ICE aims to ensure Europe’s active participation in global 6G standardization and trend-setting. As part of the project’s outreach, dedicated workshops and presentations at major events like EuCNC and Techritory will continue to shape the international discourse on 6G and inform SNS JU’s community on global developments, keeping Europe’s R&I at the forefront of innovation.


Eurescom GmbH Director David Kennedy (right)
presenting SNS JU at the SNS OPS stand


SNS JU booth at EuCNC 2024


Team SNS ICE at EuCNC 2024

Non-Terrestrial Networks and Terrestrial Networks unification – from Vision to reality Workshop

The workshop “Non-Terrestrial Networks and Terrestrial Networks Unification – from Vision to Reality” held on June 3, 2024, aimed to advance integration between space-based and terrestrial communication networks, focusing on 5G and 6G technologies. Organized by Adam Kapovits (Eurescom) and Maria Guta (ESA) as part of the EuCNC & 6G Summit, the event explored the potential of recently available space assets for in-orbit experimentation, enabling Proof of Concept (PoC) validations, demonstrations, and standardization efforts.

Key sessions included insights into European research projects and initiatives, such as ESA’s 6G precursor mission and Germany’s SERANIS mission. Presenters discussed technical architectures, use cases, and enabling technologies for NTN-6G, with contributions from leading SNS JU projects like 5G-STARDUST and 6G-SANDBOX. Additionally, industry leaders and researchers highlighted projects on 3D networks, optical space backbone networks (HydRON), and combined airspace networks, underlining Europe’s strong engagement in the NTN/6G domain.


Maria Guta, ESA Senior 5G/6G Satcom Solutions
Architect in NTN, presenting the ESA 6G precursor mission


NTN Workshop attendees

Innovative demo for the CENTRIC Project Stand

Eurescom’s CENTRIC project, led by project manager Halid Hrasnica, and demonstration set by NVIDIA and Keysight partners stood out as a prime example of innovation in receiver technology. At the CENTRIC demo, the project demonstrated NVIDIA and and Keysight’s advanced Neural Receiver concept, designed to optimize receiver structures for specific deployment sites. This technology represents a step forward for multi-user MIMO receivers by utilizing neural networks that can be fine-tuned on-site for enhanced performance.

The CENTRIC demo illustrated how the neural receiver, initially trained on standard stochastic channel models, offers significant improvements over traditional MIMO receivers. When fine-tuned with data from the base station’s specific deployment site, its performance outpaces that of a generically trained receiver. The hardware-based validation setup provided attendees with a tangible glimpse into the potential of neural network-based receivers within a real 5G ORAN network.


CENTRIC team at their booth


CENTRIC team with their demonstration

SNS ICE Support to the SNS JU Introduction Workshop

SNS ICE was pleased to back the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) Steering Board (SB), Technology Board (TB), and Working Groups (WGs) Workshop held during the first day of the EuCNC & 6G Summit 2024. This event spotlighted the collaborative efforts shaping the future of smart networks and services.

Pavlos Fournogerakis, SNS-JU’s deputy head of Programme, emphasized the vital role of project collaborative bodies in advancing SNS JU’s vision. SB Chairman Mikael Fallgren (Ericsson) and TB Chairman Konstantinos Trichias (6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association) gave an update on active SNS JU projects, current technologies, and upcoming objectives for the SB and TB.

The Working Group chairs—Ömer Bulakci (Architecture WG), Michael Dieudonne (TMV WG), David Artuñedo (Software WG), and Ioannis Tomkos (Hardware WG)—shared insights into their focus areas and anticipated outcomes for the coming period, contributing to Europe’s leadership in 6G innovation. The session was moderated by Eurescom Programme manager Uwe Herzog from the SNS OPS CSA project, fostering in-depth discussions on progress and goals.


Uwe Herzog, SNS OPS CSA project manager, opening the SNS JU workshop


Panel discussion on the Impact of 6G Technology

Participation in the WiTaR Working Group Session

Eurescom project manager Pooja Mohnani took part in the “Women in Telecommunications and Research” (WiTaR) convened session on June 4, 2024. Representing both Eurescom and the SNS ICE project, she engaged with other leaders in a session dedicated to promoting gender equality, inclusion, and empowerment within the 6G Research & Innovation community. WiTaR, an EU-level initiative, is committed to closing gender gaps and empowering more women in R&I fields, reflecting Eurescom’s own values of inclusivity and equity in tech.


Pooja Mohnani presenting: WiTaR collaboration opportunities with SNS JU projects and working groups


WiTaR workshop attendees

CHARITY Project Stand

The CHARITY project, a Horizon 2020 project initiative lead by Eurescom and now successfully finished, showcased last advancements in immersive communication through intelligent use of network resources. Running since January 2021 and concluded in June 2024, CHARITY focused on orchestrating cloud, edge, and network resources to support emerging applications requiring both low and high latency environments. The project’s open-source framework for intelligent resource orchestration captured significant interest, with visitors recognizing the project’s potential to transform network resource management for immersive and interactive communication.


CHARITY team at EuCNC 2024

Joint forces at the CELTIC-NEXT & Xecs booth

The goal of the joint booth was to promote the cooperation between the CELTIC’s ICT community and the Xecs’ microelectronics and systems community. At the booth the EUREKA Clusters CELTIC-NEXT and Xecs presented alternative R&D&I funding schemes to the ICT community focused on 6G technology design and development. The Eureka cluster advocates Xavier Priem, CELTIC-NEXT’s Director, and, Patrice Cogez, Xecs’ Technical Director, provided insights on the EUREKA Clusters and information about the upcoming calls for proposals of the two clusters and the processes involved.


Xavier Priem, CELTIC-NEXT’s Director, and, Patrice Cogez, Xecs’ Technical Director

Conclusion

Eurescom’s presence at EuCNC & 6G Summit 2024 underscored its commitment to driving technological innovation, inclusivity, and global collaboration in telecommunications. By showcasing projects like CENTRIC and CHARITY, supporting gender diversity initiatives through WiTaR, and contributing to the strategic efforts of the SNS JU through SNS OPS, Eurescom remains a key player in advancing Europe’s leadership in the next generation of network technology.

EuCNC & 6G Summit 2024 offered a vibrant stage for Eurescom to demonstrate its contributions to the evolution of telecommunications and to strengthen connections within the global R&I community, and will continue by taking leading roles in beginning 2025 in two new 6G innovative SNS JU Horizon Europe SUSTAIN-6G and SNS CO-OP (see next article).

Further information

Recent Highlights from Eurescom’s Participation in 2024 Key Events


Audrey Bienvenu
Eurescom GmbH

Eurescom has recently participated in several high-impact events, underscoring its commitment to advancing next-generation communication technologies, particularly 6G. Through collaborative workshops, panels, and strategic projects, Eurescom has been contributing to the future of telecom, addressing sustainability and system architecture challenges within the industry.

“Open 6G for All” International Panel at Berlin 6G Conference 2024

At the 2024 Berlin 6G Conference, Eurescom took part in an international panel titled “Open 6G for All – Towards Open 6G Research Infrastructures and Toolkits (Open6GRIT).” This panel assembled prominent experts in telecommunications and research to discuss strategies for developing open, universally accessible 6G infrastructures that foster global collaboration and innovation. Representatives included leading voices from academia, industry, and key institutions, each contributing unique insights into the journey toward open 6G research and development.

The panel featured the following distinguished experts:

  • Aki (Akihiro) Nakao from Tokyo University, Japan
  • Kostas Chalkiotis from Deutsche Telekom, Germany
  • Maria Guta from the European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands
  • Serge Fdida from Sorbonne Université, France
  • Anastasius Gavras from Eurescom GmbH, Germany
  • Sparsh Singhal from the NGMN Alliance, Germany
  • Abhimanyu Gosain from Northeastern University, USA
  • Thomas Magedanz from Fraunhofer FOKUS and Technische Universität Berlin, Germany


Panelists from the Berlin 6G Conference 2024

Each panelist provided insights into the technical and infrastructural requirements essential to realizing an open, adaptable 6G environment. In his remarks, Anastasius Gavras of Eurescom emphasized the importance of global cooperation and accessible research platforms to propel 6G innovation forward. He highlighted Eurescom’s commitment to creating open toolkits and infrastructures that democratize 6G development, enabling wider participation and faster progress across industries.

This session underscored the critical role of international partnerships in 6G’s success. The panel advocated for creating collaborative research ecosystems and accessible resources to help overcome current challenges in the field. The discussions reinforced the vision of an inclusive, forward-thinking 6G ecosystem that not only advances technology but also supports sustainable, equitable growth across the telecom industry.

Further information

Contribution to the GUIDE 5G Corridors Workshop on 5G coverage along transport corridors in Brussels

On October 16, 2024, Eurescom’s Director David Kennedy participated in the third session of the GUIDE Workshop, alongside Pierre-Yves Danet, Senior Consultant at Smart Connectivity. The session focused on best practices and lessons learned from the 5G Corridors projects under Call 1 and Call 2. David Kennedy shared valuable insights into the ongoing work and developments in the 5G Corridors initiative, emphasizing the importance of uninterrupted coverage and seamless end-to-end connectivity.

Key takeaways from the session included the need for robust and stable consortia to effectively navigate the complexities of Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) deployment and the CEFDigital processes. The discussion also highlighted the readiness of most projects to share both passive and active network infrastructure, a crucial step in accelerating 5G corridor deployments.

The workshop, organized with the support of HaDEA, DG CNECT, and the 5GMEC4EU project, served as a platform to engage stakeholders in strategic discussions on the 5G Corridor deployment roadmap. It aimed to stimulate public-private partnerships and foster a community around 5G-CAM implementation, ensuring continued progress in the deployment of 5G corridors.


David Kennedy, Director, Eurescom GmbH opening the GUIDE Workshop in Brussels

Further information

Sustainability and future viability of European telecommunications infrastructures Workshop at the Digital Gipfel 2024 in Frankfurt

On October 22, 2024, David Kennedy, Director at Eurescom and Chair of the Eureka Cluster CELTIC Next, participated in the Digital Gipfel 2024 workshop in Frankfurt on “Sustainability and Future Viability of European Telecommunications Infrastructures.” The session brought together experts to discuss Europe’s strategy for building sustainable, inclusive telecom networks that leverage satellite technology, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), and advanced 5G/6G standards to meet Europe’s connectivity and ecological goals.

The 45-minutes session began with a brief introduction, leading into a fishbowl-style discussion among panelists, including David Kennedy, Dr. Christoph Bach from Ericsson, Prof. Tim Bruysten of Charta digitale Vernetzung, and others. They explored the role of NTNs and satellite systems in complementing traditional networks, aiming to provide continuous, high-quality coverage throughout Europe and close connectivity gaps in remote regions. Panelists emphasized that integrated satellite and terrestrial communications are crucial to achieving “digital connectivity for everyone, always and everywhere.”

The session included an open-chair discussion, allowing the audience to engage with the panelists and discuss the sustainability and regulatory needs of this vision. The discussion concluded with a call for actionable steps to support Europe’s digital future, highlighting Kennedy’s and Eurescom’s commitment to collaborate for a resilient, eco-conscious telecom infrastructure across Europe.


Digital-Gipfel outdoor entrance

Further information

NEM Summit 2024: Pillar and Pioneer in the Future of Media and Virtual Worlds

The 15th edition of the NEM Summit “Emerging virtual worlds for a new digital society”, held on October 23-24, 2024, in Brussels, brought together leading experts from across Europe to explore the latest trends and challenges in the media and creative industries. Hosted at the VRT Headquarters, this year’s summit focused on the rapidly evolving realms of extended reality (XR) and the metaverse, with discussions highlighting innovations, ethical challenges, and the integration of AI technologies.


NEM Summit 2024 opening in Brussels

Featured keynote presentations set the day one on topics such as interactive technologies, the future role of 6G in XR, and the ethical implications of virtual environments. Sessions examined the use of AI in creating immersive experiences, the role of digital twins, and the future of virtual productions. Discussions highlighted the increasing importance of accessibility and inclusivity in these digital landscapes.

On Day 2, the focus shifted to the immersive web and making virtual worlds more inclusive and accessible. Panels emphasized strategies for enhancing accessibility, creating democratic virtual spaces, and developing adaptive web experiences for XR. The summit concluded with an open dialogue on establishing a European Virtual Worlds Initiative, outlining steps to unify efforts in technology, community building, and strategic planning.

The NEM Summit has grown since its inception in 2008 into a premier event for collaboration and innovation in media and technology. With this year’s recordings available online, the discussions promise to inspire future advancements in Europe’s virtual worlds ecosystem.

Further information

Eurescom Joins WiTaR, Riga TechGirls and SNS ICE at 5G Techritory to Lead “Shifting the Balance” Discussion in Riga, Latvia

On October 30, 2024, WiTaR, in collaboration with SNS ICE and Riga TechGirls, led an impactful discussion on gender diversity and sustainability in the telecom industry at the 5G Techritory event. The session, titled “Shifting the balance: Advancing diversity in Telecoms R&D,” brought together industry and academic leaders to explore how gender balance can shape the future of 6G and drive innovation.

The event began with opening remarks on creating inclusive tech spaces, where representatives from WiTaR and Riga TechGirls stressed the importance of welcoming environments for women and under-represented groups in telecom. A key part of the event was an interactive Bar Camp, where attendees shared insights and challenges related to strengthening gender diversity in telecom R&D.

Focus areas included the need for continuous digital skills development to equip a diverse workforce for 6G, the role of sustainability in 6G networks, and the importance of diverse perspectives in cybersecurity. The discussion also covered how diversity enhances the accessibility of 6G use cases, underlining the necessity for ongoing improvements in gender equality in telecom.


Pooja Mohnani, Project Manager, Eurescom GmbH presenting WiTaR at the 5G Techritory 2024

On October 30, 2024, WiTaR, in collaboration with SNS ICE and Riga TechGirls, led an impactful discussion on gender diversity and sustainability in the telecom industry at the 5G Techritory event. The session, titled “Shifting the balance: Advancing diversity in Telecoms R&D,” brought together industry and academic leaders to explore how gender balance can shape the future of 6G and drive innovation.

The event began with opening remarks on creating inclusive tech spaces, where representatives from WiTaR and Riga TechGirls stressed the importance of welcoming environments for women and under-represented groups in telecom. A key part of the event was an interactive Bar Camp, where attendees shared insights and challenges related to strengthening gender diversity in telecom R&D.

Focus areas included the need for continuous digital skills development to equip a diverse workforce for 6G, the role of sustainability in 6G networks, and the importance of diverse perspectives in cybersecurity. The discussion also covered how diversity enhances the accessibility of 6G use cases, underlining the necessity for ongoing improvements in gender equality in telecom.

‘
Agnese Bļodniece, Riga Techgirls

The event was a great success, thanks to the contributions of speakers and attendees, including Pooja Mohnani (Eurescom), Prachi Sachdeva (TNO), Rolands Bīrons (Tet.lv), Maria Giuffrida (Trust-IT Services), Anna Olovna (Tet.lv), and others, who are collectively working to build a more diverse and sustainable telecom future.

Further information

Conclusion

These events demonstrate Eurescom’s proactive role in shaping the future of telecommunications, especially through collaborative international engagements. The focus on open research infrastructures, sustainability, and cutting-edge system architecture reflects Eurescom’s strategic vision to drive advancements in 6G technology while fostering global partnerships and supporting sustainable innovation across the telecom ecosystem.