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