At the UKTIN International & Horizon Engagement Conference on 4 December 2024, we joined a group of industry leaders, government officials, and innovators to explore the opportunities within Horizon Europe and other European funding programmes. The event provided valuable insights into the UK’s role in supporting international collaborations and driving technological innovation.
The conference also underscored the importance of partnerships in advancing digital infrastructure and next-generation telecoms, with discussions ranging from 5G to 6G and the need for a unified approach across Europe. With ample networking opportunities, the event emphasised the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of the telecom sector.
Simon Fletcher, CEO of Real Wireless, was a panelist in a discussion chaired by Professor Dimitra Symeonidou from the University of Bristol. The panel discussion focused on the significance of Horizon Europe and other government-funded innovation programs, emphasising their role in advancing the UK telecom industry.
Key points of the discussion were:
The Impact of Horizon Europe Funding
Horizon Europe promotes cross-sector innovation and collaboration. These funding opportunities are instrumental in:
- Stimulating inward investment.
- Catalysing technology development across industries.
One example shared was the 1998 inward investment from Japan, which led to the creation of NEC Telecom Modus in the UK—a joint venture between ERA Technology Ltd and Japanese tech giant NEC.
Long-Term Partnerships That Deliver Results
Collaborations with Samsung, Nokia, Ericsson and other major European Operators and Vendors has enabled Real Wireless’ unbroken engagement in Horizon projects, showcasing the tangible benefits of such partnerships to SMEs.
Real-World Innovation: From Sports Arenas to Hospitals
Impact of recent Horizon, 5GTT, and FRANC projects in driving:
- Innovation diffusion across industries.
- Vertical adoption of new technologies.
These projects are delivering real-world results in settings like sports venues and hospitals, where chief innovation and digital officers are championing digital transformation.
A Platform for International Collaboration
The importance of international cooperation in driving progress for the UK telecom sector. The conference, organised by UKTIN and DSIT, provided an invaluable opportunity for UK innovators to explore and build global partnerships.
Thank you to UKTIN and DSIT for facilitating such a valuable event and supporting the future of UK telecom innovation. For UKTIN’s full summary of the International & Horizon Engagement Conference, read their article here.