EU and Japan Align Priorities on the future of 6G

Experts from Europe, Japan, and the Republic of Korea met for the 6G INSTAR-Japan Standardisation Areas Alignment Workshop. Organised by the INSTAR project, the workshop provided a platform for policymakers, researchers, industry representatives, and standardisation experts to exchange perspectives, identify shared priorities, and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

The event brought together representatives from the Japan Business Council in Europe (JBCE), TTC, Japanese 6G experts, TTA experts from the Republic of Korea, INSTAR partners, European experts involved in the 6G Expert Task Force (ETF), the 6G Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU), the 6G Industry Association (6G-IA), and the European Commission.

Europe and Japan share perspectives

The workshop was structured around three key themes:

  • The current state of 6G research and standardisation in Europe
  • Japanese perspectives on Beyond-5G and 6G development
  • Discussions on alignment, cooperation opportunities, and joint actions

The first session opened with remarks from Damir Filipovic, BluSpecs and INSTAR Coordinator, and Professor Dr. Rute C. Sofia, INSTAR 6G ETF Chair, focusing on Europe’s evolving 6G ecosystem and policy environment. Speakers from the European Commission, SNS JU, and 6G-IA provided insights into:

  • European 6G initiatives and strategic priorities
  • Programme objectives and links to standardisation
  • Industry and research priorities shaping future developments

The second part of the event provided insights into Japan’s national vision and strategic direction for Beyond-5G and 6G technologies. Representatives from Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), NICT, NTT DOCOMO, Muroran Institute of Technology, and Rakuten Mobile presented perspectives on national Beyond-5G and 6G strategies, technology priorities and ongoing research activities, standardisation approaches, open RAN developments and perspectives.

Turning discussion into action

While knowledge exchange was a central objective, the workshop was equally focused on identifying practical next steps. Discussions explored opportunities to develop joint research proposals under Horizon Europe and SNS JU programmes, coordinated contributions to global standardisation bodies, recommendation documents for standards development organisations (SDOs), future public events and collaborative activities.

As 6G development continues to advance globally, these early conversations and collaborative actions will play an important role in supporting future research initiatives, coordinated standardisation efforts, and stronger international partnerships.