SNS JU February 2025 Newsflash

SNS JU TB White Paper on AI/ML as a Key Enabler of 6G Networks

The SNS JU Technology Board (TB) have recently published the paper: AI/ML as a KEY ENABLER of 6G NETWORKS:  Methodology, Approach and AI-Mechanisms in the SNS JU (January 2025). “The SNS JU Technology Board (TB), the collaborative body of the leading technical experts of all ongoing R&I projects, has performed a survey across 33 R&I projects from the first two phases (Call 1 and Call 2) of the SNS JU, that are engaging in the development of AI-based solutions, to better understand the approach, methodologies and models used by AI experimenters, as well as to generate insights regarding the network layers that AI mechanisms are applied to, the data sets used for training, the goal of the developed mechanisms and more.”

The White Paper addresses the following:
1. Overview of AI/ML-driven solutions in SNS JU projects
2. Insights into AI mechanisms, learning methods & network segments
3. Key stats on AI models, training datasets & outputs
4. A deep dive into Europe’s role in advancing AI for 6G

6G-IA Vision WG White Paper

The telecommunication industry is navigating significant changes with the transition from 4G to 5G and the anticipated shift to 6G. This evolution brings new business opportunities through the virtualization of information and communication technologies (ICT). The 6G Industry Association (6G-IA) has addressed these challenges by publishing a white paper that builds on previous work, focusing on application of a business modelling framework. This framework, exemplified through the Industry 4.0 vertical, helps stakeholders explore business opportunities and understand the impact of ecosystem variations.

The white paper outlines a five-step framework to uncover strategic insights and assess the business sustainability of 5G/B5G ecosystems. It also extends the analysis to 6G, providing valuable insights for future business opportunities. Additionally, it suggests the cost implications of ecosystem variations and redefines studies to capture the technoeconomic viability of these ecosystems.

The final section discusses new actor roles in the 6G ecosystem, driven by its more distributed and disaggregated architecture. The framework is designed to be adaptable as the industry transitions from 5G to 6G, ensuring its relevance in the evolving telecommunication landscape.

European SME Expertise in 5G and Beyond: 2024 Brochure Now Available

Looking for the top European SMEs shaping the future of 5G and beyond? The European SME Expertise in 5G and Beyond brochure is now available, providing a comprehensive overview of leading European SMEs working in 5G/6G across vertical sectors, ranging from Media to Health and from Public Safety to Smart Cities, among many others.

Developed by the NetworldEurope SME Working Group in collaboration with the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) and the 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA), the catalogue serves as a practical tool for industry leaders, research institutions, and policymakers seeking innovative SME partners for collaborative research & innovation projects and business opportunities.

Inside the 2024 edition:

• Detailed profiles of more than 80 SMEs from the NetworldEurope SME Working Group, outlining expertise, achievements, and areas for collaboration.
• More than 20 success stories, showcasing SME contributions to major European and global projects.
• An updated online SME catalogue, making it easier to find potential partners.

The brochure also features insights from three editorials (Jessica Carneiro – SME WG Chair and Nicola Ciulli – SME WG Vice-Chair, Colin Willcock – Chairman of the Board, 6G IA and Rui L. Aguiar – Networld Europe Steering Board Chair) each providing a perspective on the importance of SMEs in next-generation networks and European research.

This initiative strengthens the visibility of SMEs expertise and their role in driving technological progress within the European innovation ecosystem.

Access the SME Brochure and Catalogue here

Find the SME You Need

For more information, contact the NetworldEurope SME Working Group.

Call 3 SNS JU Projects Introduction

The Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU), in collaboration with 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA), presented Call 3 projects through two dedicated webinars this February. The first webinar took place on 14 February and the second webinar on 17 February.

The first Webinar on 14 February focused on the following topics:

• System Architecture
• Wireless Communication Technologies and Signal Processing
• Communication Infrastructure Technologies and Devices
• Reliable Services and Smart Security

The second Webinar on 17 February focused on the following topics:

• EU-Japan & EU-Korea International Collaborations
• Sustainability Lighthouse Initiative
• Reliable AI for 6G Communications
• SNS Microelectronics Lighthouse
• Large Scale Trials and Pilots with Vertical Industries

The webinars found great interest with 250 participants attending over the 2 webinars.

The presented slides and the video recordings of all presentations are available on the SNS website.

SNS JU Release the Vertical Engagement Tracker

Vertical Engagement Tracker (VET) is now updated with 247 use cases from 52 SNS-funded projects, covering various industry sectors such as Industry 4.0, SmartCities, Smart Health, Automotive, Media/Entertainment and Security/Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR).

SNS JU 6G KPIs White Paper

SNS JU released The White Paper “6G KPIs – Definitions and Target Values” authored with Test Measurement and Validation Working Group (TMV WG). The white paper consolidates 6G KPIs from SNS JU projects, providing definitions, target values, and context to shape the 6G vision. Furthermore, the TMV WG promotes common collection procedures, validation methodologies, and analysis of KPI metrics. Various SNS JU projects provided the KPIs, which drive their technical developments.

“The Test, Measurement, and KPIs Validation (TMV) Working Group (WG) of SNS JU focuses on developing and sharing best practices for 6G testing, monitoring, and analytics. The TMV WG aims to promote common methodologies across projects, support 6G trial Use Cases (UCs), and ensure a unified European vision for the 6G network lifecycle. A key objective is the definition and validation of performance KPIs. This white paper consolidates 6G KPIs from SNS JU projects, providing definitions, target values, and context to shape the 6G vision. Furthermore, the TMV WG promotes common collection procedures, validation methodologies, and analysis of KPI metrics. Various SNS JU projects provided the KPIs, which drive their technical developments.”.

SNS JU @ ETSI AI Conference 2025

The “ETSI Artificial Intelligence Conference – How Standardization is Shaping the Future of AI” took place on 10-12 February 2025, in ETSI premises, Sophia Antipolis, France.

The Project Officer, Marinos Charalambides, PhD, represented the SNS JU at the conference. He provided an insightful overview of the SNS JU funded projects that integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into 6G networks.

Christos Verikoukis (Industrial System Institute/ATH) presented the live demonstration: “Using an Intelligent Chatbot for Intent-Driven Management of Autonomous 6G Networks” prepared by 6G-INTENSE and SUNRISE-6G.

Others SNS projects participated in the event including VERGE and HORSE projects.

6G4SOCIETY & TRIALSNET Workshop

6G4Society and TrialsNet organised the “Objective and Subjective Approaches to Key Value Indicators – Sharing methodological approaches and evaluation instruments” Workshop on 6 February. The workshop was based on two parts, the first half was presentations from SNS JU projects and external experts, and the second half was based on interactive dialogue and active contributions from participants.

Objectives

• Gather examples of how social and sustainability values can be assessed and evaluated from projects and external experts.
• Explore approaches that look beyond technical KPIs and consider non-technical evaluations of value.
• Improve our understanding and capacity to address these value outcomes in practical terms, using existing resources.

SNS projects @ Integrated System Europe 2025

Integrated System Europe (ISE) 2025 is the largest AV and systems integration exhibition in the world, bringing together over 1,600 exhibitors and featuring seven dedicated Technology Zones, including AI-powered automation, smart connectivity, digital signage, and immersive technologies. The event took place on 4-7 February 2025 at Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via, Spain.

Several SNS projects participated in the event. We could find ADROIT6G, 6G-BRICKS and 6G-INTENSE at Iquadrat’s Stand, PRIVATEER and SUNRISE-6G  also participated.

SNS projects @ WAICF 2025

The World Artificial Intelligence Cannes Festival (WAICF) is a key event for the global AI community, bringing together innovative start-ups, investors, and major industry players to showcase new trends and ideas. The 2025 edition took place on 13-15 February 2025 in Cannes, France. Markus Muck, Chair of the ETSI Board and Senior Principal Engineer at Intel Corporation, takes the stage to discuss the Future Standards of AI.

In this keynote, Markus Muck covered:

• The role of standardization in AI/ML development
• An overview of ETSI’s key activities in AI and ML
• How European Standards Organisations (ESOs) like ETSI align with EU policies.

This keynote is closely aligned with ongoing efforts in 6G-XR, VERGE Project, and 6GARROW, ensuring a coherent and strategic message across AI, extended reality, and next-generation connectivity communities.

SNS ICE Podcast on the critical role of 6G in shaping the digital future

As the world begins to race toward 6G, let’s explore what to expect in next-generation connectivity!  Would 6G involves more than just technological innovation—it’s a strategic priority for Europe’s research and innovation (R&I) landscape.

Gather insights and dive in the symphony of Podcasts, brought to you by project SNS ICE. These podcasts bring experts from leading European R&I initiatives together and discuss the critical role of 6G in shaping the digital future.

The conversation highlights the significant contributions of National Initiatives, in fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government to accelerate innovation.

Explore the pivotal role of vertical industries—spanning healthcare, automotive, and manufacturing—in defining 6G requirements while ensuring alignment with broader European goals such as sustainability, digital sovereignty, and inclusivity.

Discover the latest trends in 6G across the EU and globally, including standardization efforts, emerging use cases, and upcoming trials and pilots, through the SNS ICE video collection. These videos offer valuable insights from the project’s participation in key international events, such as 5G Techritory 2024 and the EuCNC & 6G Summit 2024, along with other major global forums.

KVI and Social Acceptance Survey to SNS projects (Call 2 & 3 Projects)

6G4Society (6G4S) is launching the second round of its “Survey to SNS projects’’ on the topics of KVIs and social acceptance targeting Call 2 & Call 3 projects.

Access the Survey: SURVEY LINK

Deadline: Friday 28th February 

1. Questions: 28 in total (variability in the number of questions based on responses provided)

Responder profile: relevant experts within your consortia (e.g., social scientists, network experts). Kindly allocate only 1 person per project to answer the Survey.

Two of the core activities 6G4S is currently working on are:

1. identifying how Phase 2 & Phase 3 projects within SNS Phase are approaching Key Values and Key Values Indicators and how they are applying them into their technology design and development, and
2. understanding projects’ approaches (where applicable) to social acceptance of 6G, including the possible implementation of specific technology acceptance models or frameworks

Through this Survey 6G4Society would like to:

• capture current narratives on the impact of 6G on society, environment, and economies, as actively sought in your project
• how your project understands the public’s fears/concerns related to 5G
• understand approaches taken by your project, if any, to explore or facilitate social acceptance
• identify engagement opportunities between 6G4Society and the project you represent on activities related to KVIs and social acceptance

The Survey focuses on specific questions related to KVIs and social acceptance with the aim to gather the necessary information to provide support and leverage synergies in these fields across SNS projects.

SNS projects @ ASMS/SPSC 2025

The 12th Advanced Satellite Multimedia Systems Conference and the 18th Signal Processing for Space Communications Workshop (ASMS/SPSC 2025) took place in Sitges, near Barcelona (Spain), from 26 to 28 February 2025. The event is jointly organized by the DLR Institute for Communications and Navigation and the Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya (CTTC), with the scientific support of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the University of Bologna. This year’s focus was the role of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) within future 6G systems. Expect insightful keynote speeches, tutorials, and special sessions covering cutting-edge research topics in satellite communications. The SNS projects 5G-STARDUST and 6G-NTN were present at the event with a joint booth.

SNS projects @ IEEE JC&S Symposium 2025

The IEEE JC&S Symposium took place on 27-29 January 2025 in Oulu, Finland. The event brought together experts to discuss the latest technical, business, and regulatory challenges shaping the future of 6G networks.

6G-Flasgship hosted the Workshop on Multi-Disciplinary Approaches to Joint Communication and Sensing in 6G. This workshop provided a platform for sharing insights from multiple leading research projects, including SNS 6G-MUSICAL, Business Finland 6G-WISECOM, and EU CONVERGE.

Gabor Fodor from Ericsson presented a 6G-MUSICAL research paper titled “Bistatic Integrated Sensing and Communication Scenarios with Transmitter and Receiver-Side Trade-Offs.”

SNS projects @ DATAMITE Project Meetup

The DATAMITE Meet Up event took place on 6 February 2025 in Athens, Greece. Hosted by OTE Group of Companies (HTO)‘s IT Innovation Center under the theme ‘Bridging Research and Industry in EU-funded Innovation’. The event was a networking opportunity that brought more than 400 attendees and 65 EU-funded projects. Many SNS projects participated in the event including NANCY, 6G-BRICKS, 6G-PATH and ENVELOPE project.

TFS#7 Plenary, Hackfest and Ecosystem Day

The upcoming TFS#7 meetings will be hosted by CTTC in Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain, from 19 to 22 May 2025.

TFS#7 Ecosystem Day – Call for Presentations

The TFS community is invited to share insights on TeraFlowSDN and discuss how it addresses industry challenges. A Call for Presentations has been opened for those wishing to contribute ideas and projects related to TeraFlowSDN.

Submissions will be reviewed by the TFS Leadership Group and Technical Steering Committee, with selected proposals presented at TFS#7 Ecosystem Day.

• Submission deadline: Friday, 11 April 2025, at midnight.
• Proposal submissions are welcome.

Event Registration

Participants are required to register individually for each event they plan to attend:

• TFS#7 Plenary – 20 May 2025 (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) Register | Open to TFS Members and Participants.
• TFS#7 Hackfest – 19-22 May 2025 (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) Register | Free and open to all.
• TFS#7 Ecosystem Day – 21 May 2025 (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM) Register | Free and open to all.

Co-Located Meetings

The TFS#7 Meetings will be held alongside the following events:

• F5G-F2F#22 Meeting – 20-23 May 2025 (Login required for registration). A joint TFS, OSL, and F5G meeting is scheduled for the afternoon of 21 May.
• OSL#6 Plenary – 22 May 2025 (Login required for registration).

Venue Details

• CTTC – Building B4
• Parc Mediterrani de la Tecnologia (PMT)
• Carl Friedrich Gauss 7, 08860 – Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain

WiTaR First Lunch Salon Session

The WiTaR First Lunch Salon Session is scheduled to take place on 4 March 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM CET.

This session will feature Akshay Jain, Radio Research Scientist at Nokia Bell Labs, who will present on the topic: “Pillars of Success – How Women Make Tech Teams Successful!“

In this session, Akshay Jain will explore the critical pillars that foster successful technology teams, with a particular focus on the vital role that women play in ensuring these teams thrive. The discussion will highlight the importance of diversity, inclusion, and empowerment in shaping high-performing teams and driving innovation, especially within the 6G space.

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, 4 March 2025
• Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CET
• Speaker: Akshay Jain, Radio Research Scientist, Nokia Bell Labs
• Topic: Pillars of Success – How Women Make Tech Teams Successful!
• Registration: Free and open to all

Register here

EuCNC & 6G Summit Last Call for Extended Abstracts

The 2025 EuCNC & 6G Summit builds on putting together two successful conferences in the area of telecommunications: EuCNC, in its 34^th edition of a series, supported by the European Commission; the 6G Summit, in its 7^h edition, originated from the 6G Flagship programme in Finland, one of the very first in its area. The conference is sponsored by the IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc), the European Association for Signal Processing (EURASIP) and the European Association on Antennas and Propagation (EurAAP) and supported by the European Commission. The conference addresses various aspects of Beyond 5G/6G communications systems and networks. It brings together cutting-edge research and world-renown industries and businesses, globally attracting in the last years close to 900 delegates from more than 40 countries all over the world, to present and discuss the latest results, and an exhibition with more than 50 exhibitors, for demonstrating the technology developed in the area, namely within research projects from EU R&I programmes.

The conference program will include:

• Keynotes
• Panels
• Regular sessions (papers from open call, to be submitted for uploading to IEEE Xplore)
• Special and Convened sessions, with papers on specific topics
• Workshops, with papers and presentations on specific topics
• Poster sessions (extended abstracts from open call addressing the latest results)
• Tutorials
• Demos and exhibitions, with pitches

Submissions for posters, demos, and exhibitions, as well as applications for awards are open.

Key deadlines include:

• 7 March 2025 – Extended abstracts for posters
• 28 March 2025 – Proposals for exhibitions and demos
• 28 March 2025 – Applications for awards

Further details can be found at https://www.eucnc.eu.

You can use these links for details on individual open calls:

• Poster Sessions, https://eucnc.eu/call-for-posters;
• Startups Award, https://www.eucnc.eu/authors/call-for-startups-award;
• Ph.D. Thesis Award, https://www.eucnc.eu/authors/call-for-ph-d-thesis-award;
• Demos and Exhibitions, https://eucnc.eu/call-for-exhibitors-demos;
• SMEs Demos, https://www.eucnc.eu/patrons-exhibitors/call-for-smes-demos;
• Universities Demos, https://www.eucnc.eu/patrons-exhibitors/call-for-universities-demos;
• Poster Booths, https://www.eucnc.eu/patrons-exhibitors/call-for-poster-booth;
• Pitches on coffee breaks, https://www.eucnc.eu/patrons-exhibitors/call-for-pitches.

Best Papers and Booth Awards will be granted as well.

SCoDIHNet monthly news

SNS-ICE/SCoDIHNet Podcast

A new episode of the SNS-ICE/SCoDIHNet podcast, titled “How SNS Project Results Can Contribute to the Digitalisation of the European Industry?”, is now available at this link. The episode explores how results from SNS projects, particularly those in Stream C and Stream D, can support the objectives of the Digital Europe Program.

These projects have developed and tested various use cases and solutions that DIHs can replicate for end users. To facilitate this process, a use case tracker has been created to catalog all developed and tested use cases. Additionally, a replicability assessment tool has been designed to evaluate how easily a use case can be implemented in different locations. A comprehensive catalogue consolidates this information, enabling DIHs to select and deploy solutions tailored to end-user needs.

The podcast features insights from several experts:

• Claudio De Majo (TRUST-IT) – Explains the collection of use cases.
• Pierre-Yves Danet – Presents the Replicability Assessment Tool.
• Manon Le Yeuch (DIH Bretagne) – Discusses how DIHs collaborate with end users to understand their needs.
• Dr. Lucia Castro Diaz (DIHDATALIFE) – Highlights how DIHs engage with technology providers at the local and regional levels.

Update on the SCoDIHNet Platform Catalogue

The SCoDIHNet platform catalogue has been updated and now includes over 140 platforms across various initiatives, including:

• DIH Platforms (13)
• AIOTI Test Beds (55)
• CEF 5G for Smart Connectivity Sites (17)
• CEF 5G Corridors Sites (12)
• 5G PPP Experimental Platforms (3)
• SNS JU StreamC Platforms (4)
• Testing European Facilities (36)

A white paper is currently in development with the AIOTI Test Bed Working Group, outlining how DIHs can utilize these testing facilities effectively. It will also provide recommendations for ensuring their sustainability. The catalogue is now integrated into the DIHIWare platform, complete with a geographical map indicating the locations of these facilities.

New Collaboration with European Dynamics

SCoDIHNet has initiated a new collaboration with European Dynamics, which is keen on connecting with other DIH networks. This partnership aims to leverage project results and enhance cooperation across different innovation hubs, fostering a more interconnected ecosystem for digital innovation in Europe.

Upcoming Presentation by TEF Agrifood at SCoDIHNet Meeting

The TEF Agrifood initiative is set to present at the next SCoDIHNet meeting on 11 March. The presentation will focus on how DIHs can access and benefit from existing testing facilities, providing valuable insights on leveraging these resources to drive innovation in the agrifood sector.