The EU-funded 6G4Society project came to an end in December 2025, marking an important milestone in Europe’s preparations for the next generation of connectivity. Funded under the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking within the Horizon Europe programme, the project has focused on embedding societal, environmental and economic values into the early design of 6G technologies.
Over two years of research, collaboration and dialogue, 6G4Society has brought together researchers, policymakers, industry representatives and civil society from across Europe. A central conclusion of the project is that the success of 6G will depend not only on technical performance, but also on social acceptance, trust, governance, inclusion and sustainability. These dimensions must be treated as core design requirements rather than secondary considerations.
Digital for Planet’s Strategic Contribution
Digital for Planet led the strategic work on public engagement as well as communication and dissemination, ensuring that 6G4Society connected research, policy and society in a meaningful and lasting way.
Public engagement
- Community outreach: D4P designed and coordinated engagement activities across Europe to connect the project with citizens, civil society organisations and non-technical stakeholders, bringing diverse societal perspectives into the 6G conversation.
- Citizens’ Questionnaire: D4P led the development and rollout of the Europe-wide survey, collecting public input on expectations and concerns related to future connectivity, including privacy, cybersecurity, sustainability and governance.
- Analysis of public perception of 6G: D4P analysed and translated public input into concrete insights that now inform policymakers, researchers and industry on how 6G is perceived by the public and which values should guide its development. All public outcomes can be found on the project website.
- Information package for non-experts: D4P coordinated the creation of accessible communication tools, including visual information sheets, infographics and an animated explainer video, enabling non-specialist audiences to understand what 6G is and why it matters.
Communication and dissemination
- Strategic outreach: D4P developed and implemented the project’s communication strategy, ensuring consistent messaging and strong visibility across European research, policy and innovation communities.
- Branding and positioning: D4P established the 6G4Society project’s identity and narrative, positioning it as a reference initiative for value-based and people-centred 6G development.
- Dissemination across European platforms: D4P coordinated the project’s presence in major European research and policy forums, including collaboration with SNS JU and the 6G Industry Association, enabling the project’s tools and findings to influence ongoing and future 6G initiatives.
- Long-term impact building: Through sustained communication efforts, D4P ensured that the project’s frameworks, methodologies and insights remain visible and usable beyond the project’s lifetime.
Looking Ahead
As Europe enters the next phase of 6G development, the work led by Digital for Planet within 6G4Society provides a concrete roadmap for how future connectivity can be shaped in close connection with society. By embedding public engagement, clear communication and value-based thinking into the heart of the project, D4P has demonstrated how research initiatives can move beyond technical performance and actively build trust, legitimacy and long-term public value. The approaches, tools and practices established through D4P’s leadership will continue to inform future 6G initiatives, ensuring that Europe’s connectivity evolves not only as a technological system, but as a shared societal project.
