France’s strategic approach to 5G and future network technologie
The research not only focuses on the crucial telecommunications components necessary for facilitating the next digital revolution with smart networks but also takes into account the environmental and societal implications.
With the growing recognition of future telecommunications network technologies, notably 5G, as a promising market with substantial developmental prospects, France 2030 has identified it as a pivotal focus area. In a determined effort to leverage 5G as a catalyst for industrial competitiveness and secure France’s leadership in forthcoming network technologies, the government has embarked on a specialised acceleration strategy since July 2021. A key component of this strategy is the ‘Networks of the Future’ research initiative, designed to stimulate Research and Development (R&D) endeavours.
To comprehensively address the entire value chain of 5G and future networks, prominent institutions like the CEA (The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission), the CNRS (the French National Centre for Scientific Research), and the IMT (Institut Mines-Telecom) have embraced a multidisciplinary and multisectoral approach. Backed by €65 million in funding from France 2030, this collaborative effort supports cutting-edge French research and development through 10 targeted projects and three successive waves of calls for projects and expressions of interest.
The program is structured around four fundamental pillars: driving the development of 5G applications to enhance the competitiveness of the French economy, fostering the creation of domestic solutions, consolidating research and development efforts in upcoming network generations, and augmenting training opportunities while attracting foreign talent.