EuCNC & 6G Summit 2024 Showcases Vision for a Sustainable and Inclusive 6G Future
EuCNC & 6G Summit is among the most eagerly awaited telecommunications events of the year. It gathers cutting-edge research and world-known industries and business presenting and discussing the latest research in 5G deployment, 6G exploration and future communications systems. 6G4Society could not miss the event and went to Antwerp (Belgium) from the 3th to the 6th of June to take part in the 2024’s edition under the motto “From Vision to Reality”. Our Project Coordinator, Monique Calisti (Martel Innovate) and several project partners from CyberEthics Lab., Public Safety Communication Europe, and Digital for Planet participated in a number of sessions to present the project development and lead the conversation on how to embed societal and environmental values into the development of 6G technology.
Here is a short summary of the 6G4Society contributions and main takeaways from the this year’s EuCNC & 6G Summit:
"Towards a Sustainable and Socially Accepted 6G for Society" special session
6G4Sociery organised the “Towards a Sustainable and Socially Accepted 6G for Society” session, in collaboration with the FIDAL and BroadEU.net projects. The invited experts explored the integration of privacy, safety, inclusivity, and sustainability into 6G by design, and discussed how Key Values Indicators can be used to measure the success of these integrations, fostering a holistic approach to 6G development. The Citizen Survey was also presented, a unique opportunity for European citizens to share their experiences and opinions about current 5G technology and the upcoming transition to 6G.
After a key-note speech by Ilias Iakovidis (European Commission, European Green Deal Coalition), our Project Coordinator Monique Calisti (Martel Innovate) moderated a panel discussion with Chiara Mazzone (SNS JU Office at the European Commission, Project Officer 6G4society), Marja Matinmikko-Blue (University of Oulu), Margot Bezzi (CyberEthics Lab), Katrina Petersen (Public Safety Communication Europe) and Flavia Maragno (Digital for Planet).
Our key takeaways from the session were the following:
- The green and digital transition is only possible if all three dimensions of sustainability—environmental, social, and economic—are highlighted and pursued in harmony and with an integrated approach.
- Understanding the difference between acceptance and acceptability is crucial for advancing our work, especially in the context of social acceptance of emerging technologies.
- Public engagement is vital to ensure inclusive decision-making processes that reflect the needs of the population and bridge the gap between the public, decision-makers, and technology providers.
- Embedding sustainability by design in 6G development is essential for aligning technological advancements with sustainable goals, and the research community is instrumental in advancing innovations in a meaningful way.
- KVIs will guide sustainability projects and initiatives to enable more informed decision-making, enhancing accountability and transparency.
- The Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) and its funded project can play a pivotal role in shaping policies that drive meaningful change in the 6G landscape.
The speakers addressed real issues affecting society and sustainability, showcasing how emerging technologies like 6G can create a more inclusive and environmentally conscious future. The discussions highlighted the potential of 6G to shape a better world by embedding sustainability and societal values into its core design principles.
Overall, the EuCNC & 6G Summit 2024 served as a pivotal platform for sharing knowledge, fostering innovation, and collaboratively working towards a sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced 6G future. We are excited to integrate the insights from the conference into the important work 6G4Society and continue working towards a 6G built for society.
"6G Series Workshop by Hexa-X-II" workshop
« A technology is not accepted based on the technical features of an artefact or a product, nor by its capacity to perform and solve a problem. The relationship between a technology and society is more complex and needs to be explored. »
The “6G Series Workshop by Hexa-X-II” offered a deep dive into 6G system design, architectural enablers, radio evolution, and smart network management. This workshop emphasized the complex relationship between technology and society, and our partner CyberEthics Lab. spoke on the social acceptance of 6G, emphasizing the importance of embedding societal and sustainable values into the development of 6G technology. The session featured insightful presentations, discussions, and collaborations aimed at shaping a sustainable and innovative 6G blueprint.
"Sixtainability: Paving the Way for a Sustainable 6G" workshop
The EuCNC & 6G Summit 2024 began with the inspiring “Sixtainability: Paving the Way for a Sustainable 6G” workshop, emphasizing 6G’s potential to enhance the quality of human life and foster a sustainable future. Experts shared visionary strategies, achievements, and key lessons learned in their pursuit of sustainability goals through 6G technology. The session featured keynote speeches from industry leaders and opened a discussion that highlighted the importance of aligning efforts for a greener future.
“EU Collaborative Research & Innovation Focal Points in the SNS JU” workshop
The “EU Collaborative Research & Innovation Focal Points in the SNS JU” session shed light on EU collaborative research and innovation towards 6G Smart Networks and Services (SNS). Attendees were given an in-depth overview of the SNS public and private Joint Undertaking (JU) initiative. Discussions centered around fostering Europe’s technological sovereignty and the collaborative efforts necessary to drive innovation in 6G. Participants explored the technical challenges and opportunities ahead, and it gave a good overview of how 6G4Society can enhance synergies with other SNS projects, a key aspect of the project.
