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A national agenda for 6G and the future of wireless communications
As new generations of mobile technology, such as 6G, emerge, the need for a common national direction increases. This places new eligibility requirements on the coordination of Sweden's capabilities so that we have a place in development and in global competition. Therefore, Vinnova is working together with other authorities, business and academia to develop a national agenda for mobile connectivity.
Wireless communication is an important foundation for innovation, competitiveness and a functioning society. It enables people, businesses and organisations to communicate and use digital services, regardless of location.
– Mobile connectivity is about wirelessly connecting people, machines and services via the mobile network. The technology is used for everything from calls and data to connected solutions in society and industry. With 6G, connection speed and computing power increase. AI becomes a central part of the networks and their applications, says Sverker Brundin, responsible for the government assignment on 6G at Vinnova.
Several different actors and functions contribute to, and should be represented in, the agenda so that it functions as a national roadmap for the introduction of 6G and the future of wireless communication.
The agenda will strengthen Sweden's ability to develop, use and optimize the wireless communications infrastructure of the future, for the benefit of both business and society. The work is based on dialogue and joint analysis. Through workshops, meetings and written contributions, experiences and needs have been collected from many different actors.
– We take in perspectives from several sides to get a broad picture of what is needed going forward, says Tomas Andersson, who is the Swedish Research Council's representative in the work on the 6G agenda.
The needs include:
- How mobile connectivity can be used in society and industry.
- Research and innovation in 6G and related areas.
- Test environments, standardization and commercialization.
- Sustainability, security and robust communication systems.
The agenda is being developed step by step and will serve as a common roadmap. It will help identify challenges, opportunities and priorities in both the short and long term, and enable coordinated efforts.
Many actors contribute
The agenda is being developed in broad collaboration between authorities, research funders, companies, industry organizations, societal actors and academia. Vinnova and the Swedish Research Council coordinate the work.
– Through a common agenda, we want to strengthen the conditions for innovation, competitiveness and sustainable development in an increasingly connected world, says Sverker Brundin.
Work on the agenda is ongoing in 2026.
A roadmap for the future
An agenda is a strategic basis that provides a common picture of:
- wherever we want – objective and long-term focus
- Where we stand today – current situation, strengths and challenges
- What needs to be done – prioritized efforts going forward
The agenda is not a decision about funding. It is intended to support continued policy work, coordination and future initiatives in Sweden and Europe.
Several countries, including Finland, Germany, the UK, the US and South Korea, as well as the EU, have developed national or joint agendas for future connectivity and 6G.
Vinnova's and the Swedish Research Council's efforts within 6G are carried out within the framework of a government assignment that came in 2024.
Questions?
Last updated 5 March 2026