Like a similar deal between the US and Finland, the countries have agreed to explore possibilities to create a joint ecosystem for R&D in 6G technology and applications
The Swedish and US governments have signed a bilateral deal to work together on developing 6G technologies. The two stated that international cooperation, including partnerships with the private sector, is crucial for developing open and interoperable technologies like open radio access networks and sustainable 6G. They added that this approach aims to ensure that 6G is resilient, secure, safe, trustworthy, inclusive, and sustainable, as highlighted in the Joint Statement Endorsing Principles for 6G and the US-EU Trade and Technology Council’s 6G Vision.
The agreement will see the countries identifying synergies and exploring possibilities to create a joint ecosystem for research and development in 6G technology and applications by making use of new spectrum allocations by future wireless services/technologies and introducing new technologies in existing frequency bands. The two will also encourage global harmonization of frequency bands for 6G and next generations wireless services.
The two will explore possibilities for long-term research collaboration, including potential funding for relevant bilateral research collaboration, in many areas related to 6G and beyond, including: resiliency, security, trust and privacy; machine learning and AI-enabled technologies; efficient use of communication and computing resources, materials, cybersecurity, edge computing, algorithms, distributed intelligence, and data resources; attaining sustainability; addressing spectrum issues; and encouraging the joint use and establishment of test beds, open architectures, advanced micro-electronics, dynamic spectrum management, optical science and network and computer science.
In April, the Swedish Research Council and Vinnova signed a five-year declaration of intent with the US National Science Foundation (NSF), to facilitate research and innovation collaborations between Sweden and US and 6G was already identified as one of the key technology areas.
At the time, Swedish Government said it was also making a specific investment in research and innovation in 6G and was giving the Swedish Research Council and Vinnova SEK 390 million to distribute within the area during 2024–2026, of which the Swedish Research Council was awarded SEK 140 million.
Finns first
The agreement with Finland was made in June last year and both agreements demonstrate the importance of Nokia and Ericsson – and related ecosystems – in US thinking. As the technology world continues to diverge along geopolitical lines, 6G standardisation is the next battleground. In addition to signing the US agreement, Finland also leads the European 6G flagship initiative, Hexa-X-II funded by EU and plays a significant role in other 6G measures of the EU as well.
Supporting pathways
Sweden and the US will use the agreement to cooperate in scientific research, standardisation, technology development and innovation. This will include promoting avenues to encourage a broad and inclusive 6G ecosystem to facilitate multidisciplinary research for fundamental discoveries and diverse applications.
Harking back to the political agenda the agreement will also see the two promoting policies for facilitating the “open and robust exchange ideas to establish a resilient and skilled workforce for research and technology development”, within academia, government, or the private sector. This includes promoting policies and mechanisms for facilitating the use and joint experimentation with large-scale wireless 6G testbeds.
Unfortunately, there is no word in the agreement on whether the countries would standardise on moose or elk.