Kingston Business School at the forefront of groundbreaking EU-funded research on 6G and edge computing technologies

Technological advances have often driven evolutions in business. Recent developments such as the growth of artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR) and 5G technology have attracted huge investment and interest from around the world. Academics and doctoral researchers from Kingston Business School will contribute to two high-profile EU-funded research projects exploring the future of 6G technology and edge computing.

The experts will play a pivotal role in evaluating how next-generation mobile technologies and advanced data processing capabilities could tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing society, from improving healthcare delivery to enhancing environmental sustainability. The evaluation will also consider the societal impact of these technologies, moving beyond traditional technical measures to focus on real-world value and the potential to improve lives globally.

Launched in January 2025, 6G-VERSUS is an EU-funded research project exploring the frontiers of 6G technology through a series of trials and six pilots across Europe. Each is designed to address and efficiently assess the pressing challenges of the next-generation sustainable and environmentally-conscious vertical industries. The project has a budget of €14.5 million and is made up of 34 partners from ten countries including representation from 6G and sustainability research, companies, research organisation, academic institutions, non-profit organisations industrial partners including Hewlett Packard and Thales.

Kingston Business School's academic expertise will evaluate the societal value of 6G technologies, moving beyond traditional technical Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure Key Value Indicators (KVIs) that focus on the real-world impact of these innovations.

Head of Kingston Business School Professor Sankar Sivarajah said the project would pilot 6G technologies across various industries and measure how they can create tangible benefits for society. "Rather than just focusing on speed and technical benchmarks, we are looking at how these technologies will impact communities and improve lives," he said. "Our team will lead the evaluation of these innovations through the lens of societal challenges and their potential to drive positive change."

6G-VERSUS project coordinator Sanna Tuomela from the University of Oulu said she was confident the consortium would make a significant impact on the development, commercialisation, and adoption of 6G technology. "Together, we will work towards our objectives of showcasing sustainable 6G, 6G for sustainability, and the transformative impact of 6G on vertical industries," she said.

The applications of 6G technology could transform smart cities, environmental monitoring, and public safety by enabling real-time data processing for faster responses to climate events and natural disasters. With ultra-low latency and high data throughput, 6G could enhance emergency management, support autonomous vehicles, and improve connected infrastructure. Additionally, its ability to process AI-driven data in real time could lead to personalised services in healthcare and intelligent transportation, creating smarter, more sustainable communities worldwide.

Kingston Business School is also involved in evaluation work focused on edge computing and cloud computing. This will form part of the COP-PILOT initiative, led by Netcompany-Intrasoft, with a budget of close to €28 million euros, co-financed by the EU's Horizon Europe programme. The work will explore how these technologies can enhance data processing, reduce latency, and enable real-time applications in critical sectors such as healthcare.

"By focusing on edge and cloud computing, we aim to revolutionise how data is processed and used in real-world settings," Professor Sankar said. "In healthcare, for example, we're looking at how emergency responders can connect directly with surgeons through VR lenses to perform life-saving operations on the spot. These applications will depend on ultra-fast data processing, and this research will pave the way for these breakthroughs."

COP-PILOT unites 47 partners, comprising leading industrial players in computer technology and telecommunications alongside academic institutions, research organisations and SMEs, alongside brands such as Tata Communications and Telefonica Innovacion Digital.

"These projects are about much more than just technological innovation – they're about creating solutions that improve lives and benefit society," Professor Sankar explained. "As we look ahead to the future of 6G, we're also thinking about how governance, policy, and ethical considerations will shape these technologies. Our goal is to ensure that the innovations we're developing are not only technically advanced but also socially responsible and inclusive."

• Find out more about Kingston Business School.
• Discover research at Kingston University.
• 6G-VERSUS has received funding from the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No 101192633.
• COP-PILOT has received funding from the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No 101189817.