New project seeks to strengthen Europe’s 6G vision

Supported by Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking
03 Feb 2025 | News

On 14 January 2025, the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) launched the SNS CO-OP project in Pisa, Italy, marking a significant step in Europe’s efforts to advance the development of 6G. As the European 6G research landscape spans 79 cutting-edge projects, the need for coordination and support has never been greater

The development of 6G networks is set to transform society and critical infrastructure, enabling breakthroughs in healthcare, transportation, energy, public safety and other areas. Beyond faster connectivity, 6G promises to integrate advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, edge computing, and Internet of Things (IoT) systems, paving the way for ultra-reliable, low-latency communication and intelligent decision-making across sectors. As countries race to harness these capabilities, Europe has positioned itself as a key player in shaping 6G globally.

Central to Europe’s strategy is the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU), a public-private partnership designed to both drive innovation in 6G and accelerate its deployment. As a collaborative effort between industry leaders, research institutionx and policymakers, the SNS JU is designed to secure Europe’s technological sovereignty and position the continent as a competitive force in the global digital economy.

To achieve its goals, SNS JU invests in research and innovation focused on cutting-edge advancements in communication systems, the development of experimental infrastructures for 6G technology validation, and the implementation of large-scale trials across critical sectors, such as energy, healthcare, automotive, and manufacturing. By bridging research with real-world applications, these projects foster innovation and create sustainable business ecosystems that can drive market adoption.

A key focus is the development of 6G-enabled use cases tailored to diverse vertical industries, alongside setting global standards to ensure the commercialisation of these technologies by the end of the decade. SNS JU also supports 5G deployment through initiatives, such as the Connecting Europe Facility, reinforcing Europe’s leadership in connectivity innovation. These efforts aim to create a robust foundation for next-generation networks, ensuring Europe remains at the forefront of technological advancement, while addressing societal and economic challenges.

“Europe is fully committed to build on a shared 6G vision with vibrant R&I and solid roadmap, learning from 5G experience,” says Pavlos Fournogerakis, SNS JU deputy head of programmes and  SNS CO-OP project officer. “The SNS JU is at the forefront of this European 6G journey towards a hyperconnected future, as demonstrated by the current portfolio of 79 projects, with already significant achievements and tangible results. In this context, cross-project collaboration activities and synergies with EU and international initiatives, partnerships and vertical stakeholders are instrumental to maximise the efficiency of public investments in Europe and shape the future of connectivity in a way that is aligned with our core European values.”

SNS CO-OP: supporting Europe’s 6G efforts

The role of SNS CO-OP is to coordinate and support Europe’s expanding 6G research ecosystem, 79 projects under SNS JU to maximise innovation and impact. As the SNS JU research and development efforts move closer to market readiness, the results will play a key role in shaping Europe’s digital and economic future. This is where SNS CO-OP steps in as the strategic orchestrator of this sprawling ecosystem.

Designed to support SNS JU, SNS CO-OP coordinates strategic activities, facilitates stakeholder engagement, and ensures that European achievements in next-generation networks are effectively promoted and showcased on a global stage. The project’s main activities also include leading work packages, organising events, such as the EuCNC & 6G Summit, managing dissemination and communication efforts, developing tools for tracking programme progress, fostering collaborations with vertical sectors, and contributing to roadmaps and global outreach. By coordinating a diverse community of researchers, innovators, and industry leaders, SNS CO-OP aims to maximise the collective impact of Europe’s 6G research initiatives.

Led by Eurescom, the SNS CO-OP consortium features a wide range of organisations, combining industrial, academic, and support expertise to coordinate European 6G efforts, align research with commercial needs, and provide responsive, high-quality support to the SNS JU programme. These include 6G-IA, Nokia, Ericsson, Thales, Telenor, TIM, IDATE, Alcatel-Lucent International, South East Technological University, AUSTRALO, Trust-IT Services, COMMpla, Instituto de Telecomunicações, TNO, Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya, VASES, Instituto de Novas Tecnologias, University of Oulu, Technical University of Poznan, Universidad de Málaga, Telefónica Innovación Digital. 

“The European SNS JU programme is key to ensuring strong European leadership and influence in 6G technology,” says Colin Wilcock, 6G-IA Chair. “To reach its full potential, the SNS JU must proactively bring the individual projects together to exploit their synergies and to create European 6G solutions. The SNS CO-OP project is focused on facilitating this cross-project cooperation to help the SNS JU to deliver consistent high-level programme results and to ensure the SNS JU will make Europe more competitive.”

Europe’s Vision at MWC25

SNS CO-OP’s first major commitment will be supporting the SNS JU session Digital Infrastructure of the Future: Shaping Europe’s Competitive Edge at the Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC25) in Barcelona. Scheduled for March 3 at 9 am, this session will explore the role of converging technologies—such as AI, edge computing, and non-terrestrial networks—in shaping Europe’s digital infrastructure and sustaining its global competitiveness.

With contributions from policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers, the session will highlight the transformative potential of 6G technologies in areas, such as smart cities, public safety, and industrial automation. It will also serve as a platform to showcase European innovation and build momentum for upcoming events, such as the EUCNC & 6G Summit.

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