The event brought together experts from social sciences, technology innovation, and key stakeholders within the SNS JU community to explore how controversies surrounding new technologies like 6G can provide meaningful insights for the future of technology development.
6G4Society aims to co-create a sustainable 6G ecosystem by aligning technological progress with societal and ethical values. This goal was central to the discussions during the webinar, which emphasised the importance of frameworks like Social Acceptance of Technology (SAT) and Key Value Indicators (KVIs). These frameworks are essential to ensure that 6G evolves in ways that foster trust, meet public expectations, and are aligned with the broader goals of sustainability and societal benefit.
The Role of Controversies in Technology Development:
The webinar kicked off with an important discussion which emphasised that controversies, particularly those seen with previous technologies like 5G, should not be viewed as barriers. Instead, these challenges can serve as critical entry points for reflection, fostering a democratic and inclusive dialogue on societal priorities and technology adoption. Rather than being dismissed, public debates about technology should be seen as opportunities to engage diverse perspectives, promoting transparency and trust.
Addressing 6G Controversies Through Inclusion:
Dr. Ana Delicado (ICS, University of Lisbon) presented a thought-provoking analysis of how controversies often highlight deeper societal tensions related to trust, values, and risk. She stressed that addressing these issues requires a more inclusive approach to technology development. By involving diverse publics in shaping technological trajectories, we can create more socially robust and ethically grounded innovations. This resonated strongly with 6G4Society’s mission to integrate societal values into 6G development.
Building on Public Engagement and Trust:
The session also featured interactive activities, including a Mentimeter poll that engaged participants in reflecting on the potential sources of controversy surrounding 6G. The interactive discussions underlined that successful 6G deployment will rely on sustained public engagement and the ability to address societal concerns before they become entrenched issues.
One of the most important conclusions drawn from the webinar was the need to shift from an outdated “deficit model” of public engagement, which assumes that resistance to technology is simply due to a lack of knowledge, to a more inclusive model. 6G4Society advocates for a future where 6G is developed not only with technological advancements in mind but also with a deep understanding of societal concerns, values, and sustainability.
The webinar reaffirmed 6G4Society’s commitment to integrating sustainability and societal acceptance into every step of the 6G development process, ensuring that 6G serves the broader goals of social equity, environmental responsibility, and inclusivity.
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