Smart Network and Services Joint Enterprise (SNS JU) Adopts Second Research and Innovation Work Plan to Advance 6G Research in Europe

The Smart Network and Services Joint Enterprise (SNS JU) has recently adopted its second research and innovation work plan (2023) to advance 6G research in Europe. On 14 December 2022, the SNS JU adopted the Research and Innovation (R&I) Work Program 2023-2024, including information on the call for proposals for the Horizon Europe 2023 project. The R&I work plan will serve as the basis for the second SNS call for proposals, providing special public funds of 132 million euros (currently about 975 million yuan).

The work plan establishes the second phase of the SNS roadmap, expanding on the 35 SNS phase one research and innovation (R&I) projects launched in January 2023. The work program focuses on complementing research and design in enabling technologies with more systems-oriented research and dedicated prototyping and experimentation, as well as long-term research and design of disruptive concepts. It will further address the technical and commercial realization of the 6G vision and support the development of 6G standardization by covering industrial and commercial aspects, sustainability and social challenges, joint activities in the field of microelectronics, and a series of key international cooperation activities.

The second phase plan will start on January 17, 2023, including three supplementary processes. Process B: Research revolutionary technological advances in preparation for 6G, driving revolutionary advances in IoT, devices, and software, with the goal of reaching a low to moderate Technology Readiness Level (TRL), providing innovative solutions for real-life networks, including international cooperation with the United States. Stream C: SNS System Enabler and Proof of Concept (PoC), with the aim of further developing, uniting, and consolidating a European-wide pilot infrastructure to support the various stages of SNS development. Process D: Large-scale SNS trials and pilots for verticals, exploring and demonstrating the infrastructure required for technologies, advanced applications and services in verticals, focusing on the two priorities of automotive and health, smart cities, agriculture or education. These three processes will be complemented by the SNS Coordination and Support Action (CSA) to address societal challenges related to SNS technologies.

Notably, the 2023 SNS R&I Work Plan also highlights some indicative R&I themes for 2024, which will be approved later in 2023 and will form the basis for the third SNS Call for Proposals in 2024. Funding of about 129 million euros (currently about 953 million yuan) is provided.

The adoption of this work plan by SNS JU is a significant step towards advancing 6G research in Europe. The focus on complementing research and design in enabling technologies with more systems-oriented research and dedicated prototyping and experimentation will play a crucial role in achieving the technical and commercial realization of the 6G vision. The work plan's emphasis on addressing societal challenges related to SNS technologies and international cooperation with the United States also highlights the importance of considering the broader implications of the development of 6G.

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