European Vision for the 6G Network Ecosystem

In a recent publication by the 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association, on “European Vision for the 6G Network Ecosystem”, Anastasius Gavras Programme Manager, Eurescom contributes as a co-author and co-editor. The whitepaper delves into the global efforts to develop and standardize 6G networks, targeting a launch around 2030. It emphasizes the importance of a unified 6G vision, driven by key stakeholders worldwide, and highlights Europe’s proactive role in 6G R&D, standardization, and addressing societal, environmental, and economic challenges.

The paper discusses the need for socio-economic considerations in 6G development, including energy efficiency and sustainability goals, the need for integrating sustainability metrics, like Key Value Indicators (KVIs), into the R&D process to ensure that 6G not only meets technical performance targets but also contributes positively to societal, economic and environmental goals. The authors outline the use cases and key performance indicators (KPIs) for 6G, reflecting the European consolidated Research and Innovation (R&I) perspective. These use cases are based on inputs from various SNS JU projects and are categorized into six families, each with a representative use case and corresponding KPIs. In summary the use case families are: (i) Immersive Experience; (ii) Collaborative Robots; (iii) Physical Awareness; (iv) Digital Twins (DTs); (v) Fully Connected World; and (vi) Trusted Environments.

The key points of Vision are:

• Foster transition from 5G to 6G to sustain and enhance 5G innovations.
• Address potential shortcomings of 5G in areas that may have been underdeveloped, e.g., with respect to support of vertical industries.
• Integrate new service capabilities with an emphasis on interoperability and service continuity.
• Propose interconnected and interoperable smart networks ensuring seamless interconnection and interoperability among network providers beyond just connectivity.
• Define sustainable 6G ecosystems prioritising sustainability and encompassing environmental, social, and economic aspects through a new business ecosystem approach.

To realise 6G by 2030, several key non-technical steps must be addressed, including standardisation, regulation, business strategy, and sustainability.

Read the full paper at: https://zenodo.org/records/13708425

European Vision for the 6G Network Ecosystem