Takeaways

• The 6G4Society project places sustainability, ethics, and social inclusion at the core of 6G innovation.
• It introduces new frameworks and indicators to measure not only performance but also environmental and societal impact.
• Through collaboration and public engagement, 6G4Society ensures that the next generation of connectivity is value-driven and aligned with European sustainability goals.

As Europe advances toward the next generation of mobile technology, the 6G4Society project stands out as a reminder that connectivity must evolve hand in hand with ethics, sustainability, and inclusion. Instead of focusing solely on technical efficiency, the initiative aims to ensure that 6G technology contributes meaningfully to environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic resilience.

Backed by the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU), 6G4Society aligns with Europe’s broader vision of developing 6G as a tool for sustainable innovation, not merely faster communication. It reflects a growing consensus that future networks must become catalysts for environmental and social progress, guided by values such as transparency, inclusivity, and trust.

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A cornerstone of the project is the Citizen Survey, which collected responses from over 1,800 participants across Europe. The survey revealed optimism about 6G’s potential to improve access to information and strengthen human connections, tempered by concerns about the pace of technological change. Across generations, respondents emphasized environmental responsibility, digital equity, and the importance of technology that respects ecosystems and biodiversity. These insights are shaping 6G4Society’s Social Acceptance Model, which ensures public values directly influence 6G design and governance.

To measure progress, 6G4Society goes beyond traditional Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). It has introduced Key Value Indicators (KVIs) and Key Sustainability Indicators (KSIs) to assess how 6G technologies advance goals such as circularity, inclusiveness, resilience, and trust. These new metrics aim to link technological innovation with tangible contributions to the EU Green Deal and Digital Decade objectives.

Collaboration is another defining feature of 6G4Society. By working closely with other SNS JU projects and European research initiatives, it promotes cross-disciplinary exchange between engineers, social scientists, and policymakers. This cooperative approach helps ensure that sustainability in 6G development is mainstreamed across all levels, from research frameworks to regulatory design.

Crucially, 6G4Society also engages directly with policymakers to integrate societal and environmental considerations into future legislation. Its policy recommendations encourage aligning funding and regulation with ethical and sustainability standards, making a positive impact a precondition for deployment and investment.

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Ultimately, 6G4Society embodies a shift from ambition to action, redefining what technological leadership means in the 21st century. By embedding ethics and sustainability into the foundation of 6G connectivity, Europe is building a digital future where innovation and responsibility go hand in hand.

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Source: INNOVATION NEWS NETWORK