PSCE is pleased to announce the publication of the White Paper, “SNS Innovation to Support Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR)”. As a lead editor, PSCE collaborated closely with the SNS JU community and selected PPDR-related projects, with the aim of mapping the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) research portfolio against the operational needs of the Public Protection and Disaster Relief community.
The development of the White Paper was informed by the outcomes of a series of PPDR-focused workshops organised and facilitated by PSCE. These workshops brought together first responders and critical communication stakeholders to better understand operational needs and to identify the capabilities required to ensure that future 6G networks can support Europe’s resilience and public safety objectives.
The Paper represents an important piece of work that more broadly will also further support the implementation of a pan-European Critical Communication System (EUCCS), helping to ensure that future communication infrastructures are interoperable, secure, resilient, and capable of supporting cross-border emergency operations by 2040.
The insight from the paper confirms that the key technological foundations for resilient, intelligent, and pan-European public safety communications are within reach. However, it also highlights several priorities for future research and deployment. Continued progress in technical interoperability should be supported by evidence-based, operationally focused research. Resilience must be treated as a core performance requirement, underpinned by robust security measures. Future 6G research should also address the broader societal dimension of disaster preparedness, supporting communities as well as professional responders. Technologies should be routinely validated under realistic operational stress conditions to ensure their effectiveness in real-world crises. Furthermore, the role of 6G should be expanded across the entire crisis management lifecycle, from preparedness and response to recovery. Finally, digital literacy, public trust, and clear frameworks for responsible and accountable deployment are essential to ensure that technically advanced solutions deliver their intended societal benefits at scale.
Full White Paper can be accessed HERE