ELASTIC Project Participates in 2024 EuCNC & 6G Summit

ELASTIC Project at the 2024 EuCNC & 6G Summit: A Key Step in Staying Informed on the Latest 6G Developments

From June 3 to June 6, 2024, representatives from the ELASTIC project—Despina Kopanaki (TUC), Dusan Borovcanin (UVC), and Drasko Draskovic (AMA)—had the opportunity to attend the 2024 EuCNC & 6G Summit in Antwerp, Belgium. This event, an important milestone in the calendar for telecommunications professionals, combined the European Conference on Networks and Communications (EuCNC) and the 6G Summit, creating a space for open dialogue between researchers, policymakers, and businesses.

Organized with the support of the European Commission and the 6G Flagship programme in Finland, the event focused on the most recent innovations in telecommunications, with a particular emphasis on 6G technology. The ELASTIC project team participated in various sessions and discussions on 6G developments, giving them valuable insights into both the technical aspects and the broader societal implications of this emerging technology.

Key Themes of the EuCNC & 6G Summit

The 2024 summit provided a mix of technical sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities that covered a wide range of topics related to 6G. The ELASTIC team was able to attend sessions focused on:

• 6G Architecture and Design: These sessions delved into the technical foundation of 6G networks, covering system architecture, protocols, and infrastructure requirements. ELASTIC representatives took part in discussions about the challenges and potential solutions for implementing 6G at scale.
• Societal Impacts of 6G: Beyond the technical aspects, there were sessions dedicated to the broader implications of 6G technology. These discussions explored how 6G can transform industries, impact society, and change the way people connect and communicate, with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and accessibility.
• Collaboration and Funding Opportunities: Representatives from various European Union-funded research projects presented their progress, and there were discussions on how research teams can collaborate more effectively across borders. This was particularly important for ELASTIC, as the project is funded by the EU and is closely connected to other research initiatives in the region.

Opportunities for ELASTIC at the Summit

The ELASTIC project, which focuses on advancing secure and efficient communications technologies, had a lot to gain from this event. Participating in the summit allowed the project partners to understand where the industry is heading in terms of 6G development and to align their work with the latest trends and requirements.

The summit also served as a critical networking opportunity. The ELASTIC team connected with researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers who are shaping the future of telecommunications. These conversations opened doors for potential collaborations, helping the team identify new avenues for partnership and shared research efforts.

Additionally, the exhibition portion of the event showcased the latest developments from EU-funded research projects, providing hands-on demonstrations of emerging 6G technologies. ELASTIC representatives were able to see practical applications of the research taking place in the field of telecommunications, which in turn sparked new ideas for their own work.

Insights Gained from the Sessions

The sessions attended by ELASTIC representatives touched on a variety of topics that are highly relevant to the project’s ongoing work. In particular:

• Security Challenges in 6G: As 6G aims to interconnect more devices than ever before, security remains a critical concern. ELASTIC is already exploring these challenges in its work on secure communications, so the team found the security-focused sessions particularly useful. They provided new insights into emerging threats and possible countermeasures for safeguarding future networks.
• Integration of AI and Machine Learning: Another key theme was the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in 6G networks. This approach is expected to optimize network operations, enhance connectivity, and make 6G networks more adaptive to user needs. ELASTIC is looking into how AI-driven network management could be used to improve the efficiency and security of communications systems, so these sessions were closely aligned with the project’s goals.
• Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: One of the main goals of 6G technology is to reduce the energy consumption of communications networks, making them more sustainable. The ELASTIC team learned about several initiatives aimed at developing energy-efficient 6G systems, which is crucial for ensuring that the future of telecommunications is both environmentally and economically viable.

Future Collaborations and Next Steps

The 2024 EuCNC & 6G Summit wasn’t just about absorbing information; it was also a chance to form connections that will guide the ELASTIC project moving forward. By attending the summit, the ELASTIC representatives identified several potential collaboration opportunities with other research teams. These connections are invaluable for ensuring that the project stays current with the latest innovations and can leverage other advancements in 6G technology.

Moving forward, the ELASTIC team plans to incorporate the knowledge gained at the summit into their own research and development efforts. This includes refining their focus on security, efficiency, and the use of AI within 6G networks. Moreover, the discussions about the societal impacts of 6G technology have encouraged the team to consider the broader implications of their work and how ELASTIC can contribute to creating a more connected and inclusive future.