In November 2021, Council Regulation 2021/2085 established the SNS JU as a legal and funding entity. The SNS JU enables the pooling of EU and industrial resources in Smart Networks and Services. It also fosters alignment with Member States for 6G Research and Innovation, and deployment of advanced 5G networks. The SNS JU sets out an ambitious mission and an EU budget of € 900 million for the period 2021-2027.
Missions
The SNS JU has two main missions:
- Fostering Europe’s technology sovereignty in 6G by implementing the related research and innovation (R&I) programme leading to the conception and standardisation around 2025. It encourages preparation for early market adoption of 6G technologies by the end of the decade. Mobilising a broad set of stakeholders is key to address strategic areas of the networks and services value chain. This ranges from edge- and cloud-based service provisioning to market opportunities in new components and devices beyond smartphones.
- Boosting 5G deployment in Europe in view of developing digital lead markets and enabling the digital and green transition of the economy and society. For this objective, the SNS JU coordinates strategic guidance for the relevant programmes under the Connecting Europe Facility, in particular 5G Corridors. It also contributes to the coordination of national programmes, including under the Recovery and Resilience Facility and other European programmes and facilities such as Digital Europe Programme (DEP) and InvestEU.
The Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking also supports technological sovereignty for Europe, in line with the 5G Cybersecurity Toolbox, the Cybersecurity Strategy and the industrial strategy.
