Europe’s 6G-IA and Taiwan’s TAICS ink MoU on Future 6G, bridging the gap between research, standards and industry

(Taipei, Taiwan) The Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoEA) and the European Union (EU) DG CONNECT co-hosted the “2023 EU-Taiwan 6G SNS Joint Workshop” at the Taipei International Convention Center (TICC) today. The purpose of the workshop is to share the vision for 6G and advanced research and development. Furthermore, Europe’s 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA) and the Taiwan Association of Information and Communication Standards (TAICS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to exchange information and establish a cooperative partnership in the field of future 6G communication systems and networks. In the future, there will be a strengthened collaboration between Taiwan and the EU in 6G technological research and development.

Dr. Chyou-Huey Chiou, the Director General of DoIT, MoEA, indicated that 6G is expected to be commercially available in 2030, and it has become a key focus for many countries such as the US, Europe, Japan, and Korea. Starting from this year, the Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT) has been supporting the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and the Institute for Information Industry (III) in their research and development of advanced 6G technologies. The EU is leading in global 6G technology, and Taiwan and the EU already have a solid foundation and trust in 5G collaboration. This year both parties will focus on jointly discussing future industry development and collaboration directions for 6G. This will enable Taiwan to establish our own independent technological capabilities and stay ahead in 6G industry development opportunities. Taiwan's semiconductor and information and communications industries possess a strong technological foundation, while the EU holds a global leadership position in innovation. With highly complementary industries, this collaboration is expected to create a win-win situation for both parties, allowing us to seize huge business opportunities in the 6G market.

Ms. Aleksandra Kozlowska, Section Head of the European Economic and Trade Office (EETO), stated that this is the first EU-Taiwan Innovation Week event after the lifting of pandemic restrictions. 6G is one of the key topics, and building upon the cooperative achievements of the EU and Taiwan in 5G development, we will continue to explore the bilateral opportunities for 6G development and cooperation. The aim is to deepen industry collaboration and strengthen the global supply chain capabilities of 6G.

Dr. Colin Willcock, Chairman of SNS-JU and 6G-IA, in his remarks mentioned that they will invest €250 million in the first phase of the SNS-JU 6G research program under Horizon Europe. This funding will support 35 projects exploring the advantages of 6G and developing innovative technologies in key areas such as media, industrial IoT, energy, construction, automotive, smart healthcare, culture, agriculture, and education. Dr. Willcock is delighted to be invited to Taiwan by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoEA) and establish a partnership with TAICS. The collaboration will focus on 6G, aiming to accelerate the development of the 6G ecosystem. He believes that by working together, the ICT industry on both sides can expand their influence and position in the global supply chain, creating mutual benefits.

Dr. Jyuo-Min Shyu, Chairman of TAICS (Taiwan Association of Information and Communication Standards), acknowledged that in the coming years, 6G technology will become the mainstream trend in the global ICT industry. With its higher spectrum efficiency and stronger IoT capabilities, 6G technology brings tremendous business opportunities to the global digital economy. In preparation for the arrival of the 6G era, TAICS actively participates in global standardization and technological research, contributing to the development of the global ICT industry. Currently, Taiwan-EU cooperation at the working level for 6G has been actively initiated, but it requires strategic dialogue between high-level government officials to ensure effective progress. TAICS appreciates the support from the Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT), MoEA for promoting international collaborative research and facilitating the signing of the collaboration agreement between TAICS and 6G-IA. We look forward to working closely together with international partners to jointly promote the development and application of 6G technology.

The event attracted over 130 participants from more than 20 countries, both online and on-site. This included domestic companies that have shown active interest in 6G, such as Chunghwa Telecom, Pegatron, Compal, Auden, LiteOn, Askey, Alpha, Keysight, YTTEK, Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Institute for Information Industry (III), National Taiwan University, National Taipei University, and others. They attended the event to witness and engage in the workshop.

After signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 6G-IA, TAICS will lead the industry, academia, research institutes, and EU counterparts in a series of collaborative business arrangements. Both parties will discuss future 6G cooperation projects through mutual visits and jointly organize events such as seminars on 6G technology development and application. This will assist Taiwan's industries in early positioning within the international 6G ecosystem and mark a significant milestone in Taiwan’s 6G development.