Workshop at Roma TRE University: “Building the Future: 6G, Responsible Innovation and Social Values”
On July 4, the 6G4S project took part in a workshop hosted by the Master’s Program in Sociology: Theory, Methodology, Research at Roma TRE University. Organized by CyberSocial Lab, the session, titled “Building the Future: 6G, Responsible Innovation and Social Values” brought together 11 students and researchers for an open, critical discussion on the societal dimensions of emerging communication technologies.
Technology Meets Sociology
Led by Emanuela Tangari and Luigi Briguglio, the session combined an interactive survey with a dynamic group discussion. The goal: to explore the ethical, political, and cultural implications of 6G, and to reflect on the social values that should underpin the next generation of networks. The insights helped to create a space where students could explore not only what 6G might do, but what it should do, and for whom.
A Rich Dialogue on Values
The facilitated discussion further revealed a mix of hope and hesitation. While some saw potential for inclusion and progress — like remote healthcare and improved digital access — others warned of risks related to dehumanization, exclusion, and unequal power.
Key themes that emerged:
- The social meaning of technological advancement
- The urgent need for ethical governance
- Digital literacy and the right to understand and shape the systems we rely on
Participants also engaged with the work of the 6G4Society project and SUSTAIN-6G, both initiatives committed to bridging technical development with ethical reflection and civic engagement. The workshop concluded with an invitation to take part in the 6G4Society citizens’ survey, promoting further public involvement in shaping future technologies.
A Clear Message
The transition to 6G is not just a technical milestone — it’s a societal turning point.
This workshop reaffirmed the importance of embedding justice, transparency, privacy, and human dignity into the very foundation of next-generation networks.
We are grateful to the students and faculty at Roma TRE for their active participation and commitment to responsible innovation. Events like these are essential steps toward building a more inclusive and democratic digital future.
Stay tuned for upcoming events and join the conversation via our Community Forum!
