In the dynamic landscape of communication technology, the convergence of open source software, standardization, and cutting-edge research stands as a cornerstone for building resilient and sustainable networks. ETSI has pioneered an approach in establishing Software Development Groups, alongside research-driven early-stage standardization in Industry Specification Groups, all in close proximity to 3GPP. This event, spanning a 1.5-day conference supplemented by 3 half-day Hackfests, will explore the synergies between these complementary tracks, shaping the future of communication infrastructure and services.

With a multidisciplinary approach, this gathering will highlight the relationships between open source initiatives, industry standards, and academic research in driving innovation, fostering interoperability, and ensuring the long-term viability of communication networks. Through a series of engaging talks, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, participants will delve into the collaborative frameworks essential for harnessing the collective strengths of these pillars.

Key themes to be explored include:

• The role of software and open source in accelerating the development and deployment of standardized communication technologies, fostering agility and adaptability.
• The importance of standardization efforts in establishing interoperable frameworks and ensuring global connectivity.
• The impact of research advancements in pushing the boundaries of technological innovation, driving forward-thinking solutions for future challenges.
• Strategies for fostering cross-pollination among industry, academia, and open source communities to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration.
• Concrete examples of collaboration, achievements, and challenges from ongoing initiatives.

Hackfest sessions will provide a hands-on platform for attendees to engage with our most recent Software Development Groups through real-world projects, experiment with emerging technologies, and contribute to ongoing initiatives, underlining the practical applications of the principles discussed during the conference.

Join us as we navigate the interplay of software, standardization, and research, envisioning a future where collaboration across these domains paves the way for sustainable, inclusive, and interoperable communication networks and services.

Event Schedule:

Programme Committee

David Artuñedo Guillen, PC Chair, OCF Chair, Telefonica
Christos Tranoris, PC Chair, OSL Chair, University of Patras
Ricard Vilalta, PC Chair, TFS Chair, CTTC

Silvia Almagia, SNS Director, ETSI
David Boswarthick, Director NET, ETSI
Pavlos Fournogerakis, SNS JU Deputy Head of Programmes
Alexandros Kaloxylos, Executive Director, 6G-IA
Diego Lopez, ZSM Chair, Telefonica
Ultan Mulligan, CSO, ETSI 
Francisco Javier Ramon Salguero, OSM Chair, Telefonica
Dario Sabella, MEC Chair, xFlow Research
Issam Toufik, CTO, ETSI

Please note that the presentations and discussions during this conference will be exceptionally conducted in French.

ETSI and the French Non-Governmental Organization eG4U (e-Green for users) are organizing the Sustainable Digital Multiservice Communities (SDMC) Conference on 10th April 2025 in ETSI premises, Sophia Antipolis, France. The day-long event will focus on the challenges faced by communities and territories around the sustainable development of communication infrastructures, including roads, green spaces, energy supply, construction & renovation of buildings.

The event is part of the eG4U Conference series, dedicated to strengthening at European level the environmental, economic and societal sustainability of ICT, across towns and cities in France (Montrouge/Grand Paris, Labège/Toulouse).

In times of climate emergency, communication infrastructure technologies must be optimized in terms of sustainable development. The key technologies in question include IoT, AI & open data, Building information modeling (BIM) and digital twins. Much of this work is already addressed in ETSI.

Discussion will be encouraged on how Smart city buildings & infrastructure are to communicate, to provide the vital data needed for automated resource optimization. Speakers will also address how security, energy & waste management are becoming more efficient thanks to digital technologies.

Now is the time for the exchange of ideas on the pooling of resources, the convergence of applications through open connectivity, the reconditioning and reuse of materials to deliver a greener future. This discussion should influence and guide ETSI to focus on providing even greater interoperability of equipment, through standardized interfaces and communication protocols.

The SDMC Conference will provide a platform for the exchange of ideas on dealing with energy, lighting, water quality, intelligent buildings, video and wireless transmission systems, waste treatment and recycling… in a greener & connected way.

Main themes of the Conference:

• Standardization for sustainable and efficient digital technology
• Interoperability, a factor of sovereignty within the EU
• Living-in.EU, a European initiative for responsible digital technology in communities.
• The global environmental footprint of digital technology
• Interoperability and IoT standards at ETSI
• Measuring efficiency in eco-responsible buildings 
• Eco-design of digital infrastructures
• OpendthX for construction and BIM data
• What do communities need to master their digital decarbonization?
• A wireless network infrastructure in the field of education.

Who shoud attend the event?

• Elected officials and officials of the local & regional authorities
• Elected officials in charge of innovation in the region
• Metropolises & community managers (ICT User representatives)
• ETSI IoT and Smart Communities interested members
• Equipment and services providers for communities (lightening, roads, parkings, …)
• Prescribers on projects and engineering: IoT Smart City Pilots, Lighthouse, AIOTI …
• Smart Community Innovation R&D and academic stakeholders

Event schedule