The year 2019 is crucial for the development of 5G worldwide. That is particularly true for Europe, where network operators are bidding for 5G spectrum licenses and preparing for the rollout of 5G networks. At the same time vertical industry players are working on 5G-based applications and services in areas like smart cities, factories of the future, and automotive.

With billions of devices joining the network, 5G will reach unprecedented levels of complexity. And that is the reason why 5G trials and experimentation are of high importance for the success of 5G. In Europe, the 5G PPP programme is reaching a decisive phase, as a number of vertical trial projects have started in June 2019. The editorial team decided that this the perfect time for a cover them on 5G trials and experimentation.

Network slicing has become one of the major concepts in 5G. What has driven the development of the slicing concept is the ambition to better utilise future networks. While some are excited about the opportunities slicing provides, others doubt that slicing is really that new and revolutionary.

In this issue of Eurescom message, we will shed light on network slicing and present insights from leading European researchers in this area.

Recent advances of information and communication technologies offer the promise of making all business sectors more effective in using resources for providing products and services. Transport and logistics is one of those sectors where these advances are most visible. Through smart solutions, the transport and logistics sector will also make an important contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

5G is making fast progress. By the end of 2017, there have been significant advances happening in 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies. In addition, we are close to the first larger-scale implementations of 5G which are announced for 2018, most prominently the 5G showcase at the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Korea. Reasons enough to have the second Eurescom message cover theme in row focusing on 5G. In this issue, we will present select innovations in the area of 5G Radio Access that have been developed in Europe.

In a world of trillions of IoT devices, effective 5G network management could mean the difference between a properly working networking infrastructure and a network open to all kinds of disruptions. As the rollout of 5G is around the corner, or less metaphorically speaking is expected to happen in three years from now, the topic of network management in 5G is gaining importance.

In this issue of Eurescom message, we present a selection of contributions on network management in 5G from the forefront of European 5G research. The authors of our cover theme shed some light on different challenges and solutions of network management in 5G.

Satellite communications and terrestrial communications co-existed for decades without a high degree of integration. This has been changing recently. Efforts towards satellite-terrestrial integration are increasing, and particularly machine-to-machine communication and the 5th generation of communication networks (5G) are adding to the dynamics of innovation in terrestrial-satellite integration.

In this issue of Eurescom message, we share insights on the latest developments of terrestrial- satellite integration. Our cover theme presents selected views by experts from academia, industry and the European Space Agency (ESA) on what is happening in Europe.

Making the transition from connected computers to connected things offers unprecedented opportunities. At the same time, it makes us more dependent on the flawless functioning of ICT and more prone to the risks of cyberattacks. In the emerging Internet of Things, more cyberattacks with a higher potential damage are to be expected. Thus, improving cybersecurity has become a major societal challenge.

The winter 2016 edition of Eurescom message presents first-hand insights on European cybersecurity research, including contributions by researchers working on different types of cybersecurity challenges.