The transition towards 6G presents unique challenges and opportunities in mobile networks design and standardization. Addressing these challenges requires a robust methodology for analyzing and selecting innovations that can be effectively translated into 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) contributions. This paper presents a systematic approach to bridging research and standardization, ensuring that cutting-edge advancements extend beyond academia and translate into concrete standardization efforts. The proposed methodology has been applied within the Italian RESTART framework to two ongoing research areas: Morphable Programmable Networks (MPNs) and Network Digital Twins (NDTs), both key enablers of next-generation networks. MPNs enhance dynamic adaptability and resource management, while NDTs enable real-time simulation, predictive analytics, and intelligent decision-making. Their integration into 3GPP Release 20 will be instrumental in shaping a flexible and future-proof mobile ecosystem. These innovations exemplify how research-driven solutions can align with 6G standardization objectives. By applying the proposed methodology, we aim to establish a systematic pathway for transitioning research into impactful 3GPP contributions, ultimately driving the evolution of next-generation networks.
@article{arxiv.2504.06682,
title = {Bridging Research and Standardization: Innovations and Methodology for 6G Standard Contributions},
author = {Francesca Conserva and Fabio Busacca and Corrado Puligheddu and Simone Bizzarri and Maurizio Fodrini and Giampaolo Cuozzo and Riccardo Marini},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2504.06682},
year = {2025}
}
Comments
Accepted for publication in IEEE International Conference on Communications 2025