The work carried out in DESIRE6G has significant policy relevance, directly aligned with the EU’s strategic priorities in the fields of digital transformation, telecommunications, sustainability, and innovation. This relevance stems from the transformative potential of 6G technologies. As 6G technology is still in its nascent stage, the research and development conducted within DESIRE6G can assist policymakers and standard-setting bodies by providing direct feedback about the necessary frameworks and regulations to govern this emerging technology. The project’s contributions are expected to influence policy in several areas:

Standards Development Organizations: The DESIRE6G project is designing and developing a novel 6G network architecture that is deeply programmable, AI-powered, and cloud-native. The innovative technologies and relevant insights generated from this project are invaluable for influencing the development of the forthcoming standards for 6G networks and related technologies, for key SDOs such as ETSI, 3GPP, and the O-RAN Alliance.

Drafting new Horizon Europe calls: The insights and innovations from DESIRE6G are highly relevant for shaping future EU research and innovation directions, particularly in the context of Horizon Europe. The project’s findings can help define research priorities, ensuring that EU resources are directed towards areas with the greatest potential impact. Towards that end, DESIRE6G has been actively participating to JU SNS and 6G-IA technology working groups (i.e., SNS 6G Architecture WG, SNS Reliable Software Networks WG, SNS Test Measurement and KPI Validation WG, 6G IA Vision WG, 6G IA Pre-standardization, 6G IA Security WG) contributing to white papers, technical reports etc. These contributions have been instrumental in shaping the future 6G landscape, influencing EU policies, and guiding the standardization processes that will define the technological and regulatory framework for the next generation of mobile communication networks.

Alignment with HE Key Strategic Orientations (KSO), SNS Strategic Goals (SNSG) and Operational Objectives (CO): The project’s alignment with KSO A and C, as outlined in the HE Strategic Plan the strategic goals (SNSG 1/2/3/5/6) and operational objectives (CO 1/4/5/8/9/11/12) of JU SNS Work Programme Phase 1 – Stream B, demonstrates how its outcomes will directly support and influence EU policies. By advancing key areas such as technological leadership, digital innovation, sustainability, etc., DESIRE6G helps shape the policy framework needed to drive Europe’s digital transformation.

EU Green Deal: The project focuses on optimizing network operations through AI, hardware accelerators and programmable data planes, which can lead to more energy-efficient and sustainable network infrastructure, and thus contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of telecommunications infrastructure.  This aligns with the EU Green Deal’s objectives to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental sustainability. The DESIRE6G outcomes aim to  provide evidence on how 6G networks can be designed to reduce energy consumption, thus backing up policy measures aimed at achieving the EU’s climate neutrality goals by 2050. Additionally, the project’s contributions to digital innovation are directly aligned with the EU Digital Strategy’s goals of fostering technological leadership and digital sovereignty.

A Europe fit for the Digital Age: The EC is determined to make this Europe’s “Digital Decade”, by strengthening its digital sovereignty and set standards, rather than following those of others – with a clear focus on data, technology, and infrastructure. DESIRE6G is directly contributing to the future of Europe’s digital infrastructure by pioneering the development of 6G networks helping Europe maintain its leadership in the area. The project’s work on integrating AI into network orchestration, management and control ensures that Europe remains a leader in cutting-edge digital technologies. One of the pillars of the “A Europe fit for the Digital Age” strategy is the emphasis on secure and trustworthy digital environments. DESIRE6G’s focus on software security, privacy-preserving ML, confidentiality preserving data exchange etc, aligns perfectly with this goal.  By supporting the development of advanced data processing capabilities within 6G networks, DESIRE6G contributes to the growth of Europe’s data economy.  It essentially enables new business models that leverage big data analytic and edge computing, helping European companies to innovate and compete globally. DESIRE6G is employing technologies that enable more decentralized and secure data management within 6G networks such as DLT and privacy-preserving ML. This enhances Europe’s ability to control and secure its data, which is crucial for maintaining digital sovereignty.

An economy that works for people: DESIRE6G aligns with and supports the goals of this EU initiative by (i) promoting inclusive economic growth, offering SMEs opportunities to develop and deploy innovative solutions for the 6G ecosystem and promoting job creation by the development of new technologies and services that can create high-quality jobs across various sectors, from AI and cybersecurity to network infrastructure; (ii) ensuring social fairness and inclusion by developing network technologies that are scalable and flexible, enabling widespread access to advanced digital services while focusing on focus on low-latency, reliable communication that enable the deployment of critical services (e.g., telemedicine, remote education etc.); improve labour well-being and skills development: DESIRE6G’s emphasis on AI and advanced network technologies highlights the need for new skills in the workforce. The project’s outcomes can inform policies on education and training, ensuring that workers are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the evolving digital economy. Moreover, automation enabled by DESIRE6G’s technologies can improve safety, and enhance productivity across various industries (e.g., manufacturing /Industry 4.0, transportation/logistics etc.).