6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA)

Start of the Smart Networks and Services (SNS) Joint Undertaking and
Adoption of the SNS Research and Innovation Work Programme 2021-2022

Press Release    (Click here to download Press release as PDF)                                                                                                          Brussels – December 21, 2021.

The 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA)[1] is delighted to announce the start of the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU)[2] and the adoption of the Smart Networks and Services Research and Innovation Work Programme 2021 – 2022 (SNS R&I WP 2021-2022)[3].

The 6G-IA plans to organise a public online ‘SNS Information Day’ on 27.01.22, 9:00 – 12:00 CET to inform the broader community and raise awareness on the opportunities to participate in the Call for Proposals.

The ‘Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking’

The SNS JU aims to ensure industrial leadership for Europe in 5G and 6G and to contribute to accelerate the green and digital transition in the framework of the Horizon Europe programme of the European Union. It will define and implement the research and innovation roadmaps that will enable Europe to take a leading role in the creation of the next generation of smart network technologies and services which will be known as 6G.

The European Commission’s funding to the SNS JU will be 900 million euros to be matched by the private stakeholders with a contribution of at least the same amount (i.e. at least 1.8 billion euros in total from the private and public sides for the period 2021-2027).

Dr. Colin Willcock, Chairman of the Governing Board of the 6G-IA, stated: “This marks the official start of a new and exciting ‘journey’ that will pave the way to 6G. I would like to thank all those on the public and private sides for their outstanding efforts that made this achievement possible and look forward to continue working together to ensure that the SNS JU will be a success for Europe”.

At its first meeting of 15 December 2021, the SNS JU Governing Board  adopted the SNS R&I Work Programme 2021-2022 with an earmarked public funding of about 240 million euros.

Dr. Peter Stuckmann, Head of Unit for Future Connectivity Systems at the European Commission and designated Interim Executive Director of the SNS JU, said: “This first European large-scale R&I work programme on 6G kicks off the first phase of the SNS roadmap to shape the new generation of communication technology throughout this decade. We plan to fund activities ranging from 5G evolution including large-scale trials and pilots with vertical industries to frontier research towards 6G systems”.

About 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA)

The 6G-IA is the voice of European Industry and Research for next generation networks and services. Its primary objective is to contribute to Europe’s leadership on 5G, beyond 5G and SNS/6G research.

The 6G-IA brings together a global industry community of telecoms & digital actors, such as operators, manufacturers, research institutes, universities, verticals, SMEs and ICT associations.

The 6G-IA welcomes membership applications from organisations active in the 5G, beyond 5G and SNS/6G research domains.

Further information is available at https://6g-ia.eu/about/5g-ia-membership-application/.

Website: https://6g-ia.eu

Twitter: @5GPPP

Media contact: Alessandro Bedeschi, Head of Office, alessandro.bedeschi@5g-ppp.eu

[1] https://6g-ia.eu

[2] https://smart-networks.europa.eu/

[3] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/sns-work-programme