ETSI Technology Radar

Why Standards for Research?

Engaging in Standards groups at the appropriate stages of research and innovation cycles is crucial to the development of new and evolved technologies. It is important to identify research topics for standardization at an early stage of all research projects in order to ensure that the requisite standards are available to the industry when they are needed to take the relevant new technologies to market.

Every ICT device, application or service implements standardized technologies, at many levels. Standards support interoperability across technologies. They help create global markets and enable networked development, where innovation occurs on top of existing technology platforms.

ICT standards embody a ‘state of the art’ of technology development. They are an essential resource for researchers in ICT. ICT markets are shaped by standards and if ICT research should lead to new products, new services, or whole new markets, then clearly research must result in standardization activities. 

Benefits of Research in ETSI

Researchers benefit from interactions with ETSI's technical groups and gain early exposure and the feedback from the standards community that is essential to be considered before taking the results of research to full-market deployment. Research results need to influence standards in order to have a market impact.

Industry benefits from faster exploitation of relevant research results and feedback from a far wider community. Research input is highly relevant to the early study phases of product development when multiple alternative technical solutions have to be evaluated. Standards need innovative contributions from researchers to advance the state of the art.

ETSI Tools for Researchers

ETSI offers many tools to support the productive interaction between researchers and Industry, both in our standards committees and also during our public workshops and events. ETSI tools for researchers include:

Dedicated ETSI Research team:

research@etsi.org

to guide and advise researchers on how to best channel research results into our committees and get full value from their membership and participation in ETSI.

See more

Open and free ETSI workshops:

an excellent entry point for researchers, providing the perfect platform to showcase their research results using presentations, poster sessions and even demos. Ideal place to disseminate research results to large audiences, gain essential feedback and identify the potential next steps for standardization.

See more

Technical activities:

ETSI member research organizations may contribute to any of the existing ETSI technical groups, both for the creation of new work item and also for revision of existing deliverables. They may drive the creation of "new" technical activities in ETSI destined to standardize innovative technologies that are not yet covered by the ETSI work programme.
Bring your ideas to ETSI and we can help you standardize them and ensure a rapid time to market as well as the means to build confidence for eventual public procurement.

See more

Recognition of your research results:

We can offer researchers the review and recognition of their research results through presentations at ETSI workshops and even inclusion of research concepts in ETSI specifications following review in ETSI technical groups. Free ETSI deliverables and work programme:

All ETSI deliverables are publicly available free of charge from our website. This means researchers may follow and download ETSI deliverables and refer to them in their research projects.

See more

Research information hub:

We maintain active relations with relevant European Technology Platforms, Public Private Partnerships and Joint Technology Initiatives.

This creates a research information hub and community that may be used to share ideas and discuss potential areas for work in both standards and research. Support for EU project proposals:

ETSI is present in a number of EU research projects, and can provide participation, advice, partnership and Letters of Support to EU project proposals when the appropriate criteria are met. Including real areas for standardization in project proposals will often increase the quality of the proposal and the probability it is accepted. Collaboration with National Standards Organizations:

We collaborate closely with National Standards Organizations and with Small- and Medium-sized enterprises. These entities are often well-placed to identify research relating to new technologies and user needs resulting from specific market sectors.

See more

Teaching material on standardization:

We have developed a set of teaching materials on standardization, a comprehensive textbook, “Understanding ICT Standardization: Principles and Practice”, together with an extensive set of over 380 slides to be used as teaching aides. ETSI may also provide speakers/lecturers to universities in order to further present the multiple aspects of standardization.

See more

ETSI Seminar twice a year:

We hold an ETSI Seminar twice a year to provide an intensive course on ETSI, its organization, structure, ways of working and related subjects.

See more

(function($){ var settings = {"panel":"box","nav":"thumbnails","nav_overlay":false,"nav_align":"right","thumbnail_width":"40","thumbnail_height":"40","thumbnail_alt":false,"slidenav":"top-right","nav_contrast":true,"animation":"fade","slices":"15","duration":"500","autoplay":true,"interval":"8000","autoplay_pause":true,"kenburns":true,"kenburns_animation":"","kenburns_duration":"8","fullscreen":false,"min_height":"","media":true,"image_width":"auto","image_height":"auto","media_align":"left","media_width":"1-2","media_breakpoint":"large","content_align":true,"title":false,"content":true,"title_size":"panel","content_size":"large","text_align":"left","link":true,"link_style":"primary-large","link_text":"See more","badge":false,"badge_style":"badge","link_target":true,"class":"","id":"ec6"}, container = $('#wk-ec6'), slideshows = container.find('[data-uk-slideshow]'); if (slideshows.length > 1) { container.on('beforeshow.uk.slideshow', function(e, next) { slideshows.not(next.closest('[data-uk-slideshow]')[0]).data('slideshow').show(next.index()); }); } if (settings.autoplay && settings.autoplay_pause) { container.on({ mouseenter: function() { slideshows.each(function(){ $(this).data('slideshow').stop(); }); }, mouseleave: function() { slideshows.each(function(){ $(this).data('slideshow').start(); }); } }); } })(jQuery);

8-point plan for Researchers

Standardization is a business process which is driven by industrial and commercial considerations. Reaching a collective agreement on a technology through consensus can take time, but is surprisingly fast when interests are aligned. The following 8-point plan provides researchers with a roadmap for bringing research results into Standards.

ETSI's Research Strategy

ETSI’s Strategy identifies clear actions to “Strengthen the linkage between R&D and standardization”. These include:

Increasing the participation and contributions by (Horizon 2020 / Horizon Europe and other) research programmes / projects to ETSI Technical Committees (TCs) and Industry Specification Groups (ISGs) including 3GPP and oneM2M Influence the work programme of research programmes in order to facilitate exploitation of the final research results in ETSI standards activities Inform all ETSI members of new technological trends emerging from innovative research projects and seek to build bridges between such projects and ETSI activities Inform and educate both Academia and the global research community of the ongoing ETSI technical work, so it may be used as a basis for their research activities Research, Innovation & Academia in ETSI

ETSI has over 900 members from Europe and beyond with more than 120 of them from the categories Research Public (43%), University (37%) and Research Private (20%). Universities, research bodies and SMEs have reduced ETSI membership fees designed to encourage participation to standards.

 

ETSI seeks to increase the value and visibility of our academic and research members through the use of dedicated events, webinars, educational materials, onboarding of research results into our technical groups and providing ETSI support / partnership in selected EU research projects.

We are looking for more ways to support our ETSI research and academic community and would like to get your feedback and ideas on where we can help.

Should you have any suggestions or questions simply contact research@etsi.org.

How to contribute to Standardization

ETSI has a substantial number of technical groups working on many technical specifications. Knowing where to start can be a little daunting. A good place to start is this overview:

Technologies To get an introduction to ETSI's technical work areas a good place to begin is the ETSI Technologies pages.

View

Committees To discover the activities of all of ETSI's Technical Groups, have a look at the ETSI Committees pages.

View

ETSI Research Info Mailing list

This list has been designed specifically for all ETSI members and non-members (who work closely with ETSI) in the domain on research, innovation and education.

It's a tool to share new initiatives and events relating to research and innovation topics to this very specific community.

If you wish to join the list please send a request to research@etsi.org and we will make things happen.

In addition, as this is an information sharing list – you will also be able to share your own ideas and news to the ETSI research community. Annual Report & Work Programme A high level summary of ETSI's main activities for the previous year is visible in the ETSI Annual Report. An overview of ETSI's entire work programme may also be consulted in the ETSI Work Programme.

View

Industry Specification Groups (ISGs)

ETSI ISGs are open to both ETSI members and non-members.

ISGs are the perfect ETSI tool for developing ‘early’ standardization work resulting from the output of research projects. This tool has been used for many successful standards efforts on such technologies as mWT, NFV, Edge, Artificial Intelligence, AR/VR/XR, Quantum Safe, Quantum Key and many more.

An ISG may be established on the initiative of any group of, at least four (4), Full or Associate members (or applicant members) making a request to the ETSI Director-General. The streamlined ISG process can enable a group to be set up quickly (4 weeks) and deliverables may be published in only a matter of months making it the ideal mechanism for early stage standardization.

View

Help in getting involved

Should you wish to get involved in our standards work, bring new areas of work to ETSI or simply find out more about ETSI's activities in Research & Innovation, simply check our Research FAQs or send an email to research@etsi.org.

EU Funded Research Programmes

Horizon Europe Programme (2021-2027)

Following on from Horizon 2020 (FP8), the Commission has recently launched  Horizon Europe (FP9), an ambitious €100 billion research and innovation programme, to run from 2021-2027.

The work programmes for Horizon Europe are available to view and download on the Funding and Tenders Portal.

© European Union, 2019 - European Commission – Preliminary Structure of Horizon Europe, the EU Research and Innovation Programme (2021-27)

The Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (2021-2027)

The recently launched European Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) aims to ensure industrial leadership for Europe in 5G and 6G. 

The SNS JU investments will reach at least €1,8 billion for the period 2021-2027, with a €900 million contribution from the EU Horizon Europe programme adequately complemented by industry investments. The SNS JU provides financial support in the form of R&I grants to participants following open and competitive calls.

The key goal of the SNS JU is to secure European leadership in the development and deployment of next generation network technologies and services, while accelerating European industry digitization.

The SNS JU has adopted its first research Work Programme 2021-2022 with an earmarked public funding of about € 240 million. The Call for Proposals sets out four main complementary work streams:

Stream A: Smart communication components, systems, and networks for 5G Evolution systems. Stream B: Research for radical technology advancement (in preparation for 6G and radical advancements of IoT, devices and software). Stream C: SNS Enablers and Proof of Concept (PoCs), including development of experimental infrastructure(s). Stream D: Large Scale Trials and Pilots with Verticals, including the required infrastructure to explore and demonstrate technologies, advanced applications and services in vertical domains

These four streams will be complemented by Coordinated Support Actions (CSA) to support EU wide synergies and international cooperation.

Digital Europe Programme (2021-2027)

The Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) is the EU funding programme focused on bringing digital technology to businesses, citizens and public administrations.

DIGITAL will not stand alone, but rather complements other EU programmes, such as the Horizon Europe programme for research and innovation and the Connecting Europe Facility for digital infrastructure. It is a part of the long-term EU budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework, which covers the period of 2021 to 2027.

The work programmes for DIGITAL are available to view and download on the Funding and Tenders Portal.

Horizon 2020 Programme (2017-2020)

Horizon 2020 was the EU Research and Innovation programme running from 2014 to 2020. It was the eighth such Framework Programme (FP8). For more information see https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/horizon2020/what-horizon-2020.

6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA)

6G-IA is the voice of European Industry and Research for next generation networks and services. Its primary objective is to contribute to Europe’s leadership on 5G, beyond 5G and SNS/6G research. The 6G-IA represents the private side in both the 5G Public Private Partnership (5G-PPP) and the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU). In the 5G-PPP and SNS JU, the European Commission represents the public side. The 6G-IA brings together a global industry community of telecoms & digital actors, such as operators, manufacturers, research institutes, universities, verticals, SMEs and ICT associations. The 6G-IA carries out a wide range of activities in strategic areas including standardization, frequency spectrum, R&D projects, technology skills, collaboration with key vertical industry sectors, notably for the development of trials, and international cooperation. 

NetworldEurope

NetworldEurope is the European Technology Platform (ETP) for communications networks and services, that follows on from NetWorld2020 in the Horizon Europe programme.  

NetworldEurope has over 900 members representing principally researchers from the communications systems sector, industry leaders, innovative SMEs, and leading academic institutions. NetworldEurope drives the community discussions on the future research technologies for ICT, in order to provide guidance for the development of the future European Union R&D program.

NetworldEurope Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) provides a long-term view about the future of telecommunications in Europe and is developed in cooperation with the 5G-Infrastructure Association (5G-IA). It collects the views from industry and academia, and has received inputs from Alliance for Internet of Things Innovation (AIoTI) and from the Networked European Software and Services Initiative (NESSI). The SRIA may be downloaded here

As a follow up to the SRIA, NetworldEurope developed an Annex (SMART NETWORKS IN THE CONTEXT OF NGI) for the purpose of providing an auxiliary summary to the development of the future work programme for the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU). The annex may be downloaded here.

ETSI works in close cooperation with NetworldEurope and together we have built a mapping between the research topics described in the NetworldEurope SRIA and the current ETSI work programme.

The mapping below shows the NetworldEurope SRIA technical domains mapped to the most appropriate ETSI or 3GPP standards activities. By clicking on the appropriate research topic it is possible to access the more detailed sub-topics and the mapping to the public information of the corresponding standards activities.

Mapping table between research topics in NetworldEurope and in current ETSI work programme

2.1 Virtualised Network Control for Increased Flexibility - 3GPP CT

2.2 Integrated Fixed-Mobile Architecture - 3GPP CT

2.3 Slicing and Orchestrators - 3GPP CT1

2.5 Media Access Control - 3GPP CT3

2.6 Network-Based Localisation - 3GPP GERAN & 3GPP RAN

3.1 Spectrum Re-farming and Reutilisation - 3GPP RAN and 3GPP RAN5

3.2 Millimetre Waves - 3GPP SA1

3.3 Optical Wireless Communication - 3GPP SA1

3.4 Terahertz Communications - 3GPP SA1

3.5 Ultra-Massive MIMO - 3GPP SA1

3.6 Non-orthogonal Carriers - 3GPP SA2

3.7 Enhanced Modulation and Coding - 3GPP SA2

3.8 Improved Positioning and Communication - 3GPP SA2

3.9 Random-Access for Massive Connections - 3GPP SA2

3.10 Wireless Edge Caching for Further Increased Throughput - 3GPP SA1

4.1 Flexible Capacity Scaling - 3GPP SA2

4.2 New Switching Paradigms - 3GPP SA3

4.3 Deterministic Networking - 3GPP SA3

4.4 Optical Wireless Integration - 3GPP SA3

4.5 Optical Network Automation - 3GPP SA3

4.6 Security for Mission Critical Services - 3GPP SA3

4.7 Ultra-high Energy Efficiency - 3GPP SA3

4.8 Optical Integration 2.0 - 3GPP SA3

5.1 Beyond Mobile Edge Computing - 3GPP SA3

5.2 Future Directions for Fog Computing

5.2.1 Cloud Computing: Friend or Foe? - 3GPP SA3 and 3GPP SA4
5.2.2 Fog Computing - 3GPP SA5
5.2.3 Fog Computing Research Directions - 3GPP SA5

5.3 Massive IoT Services

5.3.1 Critical IoT services - 3GPP SA5
5.3.2 Scalable management of massive deployments - 3GPP SA6
5.3.3 Distributed/autonomous and cooperative computing - 3GPP SA6, ISG CIM, ISG ENI

5.4 Data Analytics and Data Monetisation

5.4.1 Big Data - ISG MEC
5.4.2 Distributed Ledgers - ISG MEC
5.4.3 Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) - ISG MEC, ISG mWT, ISG NFV
5.4.4 Lack of awareness and knowledge in personal data monetisation - ISG NFV
5.4.5 Fraud mitigation in data monetisation - ISG NFV

ISG NIN

ISG PDL

ISG QKD

6.1 Security Transformation - ISG QKD

6.2 Network-wide Security - ISG QKD and ISG ZSM

6.3 Slice-Specific and Convergence on Common Software Defined Patterns - ISG ZSM

6.4 Distributed Trust Systems - ISG ZSM

6.5 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Application - ISG ZSM

7.1 Overall Vision - oneM2M

7.2.1 Multimedia Delivery - oneM2M
7.2.2 Broadband Access - oneM2M
7.2.3 Mobile Broadband to Users and Vehicles - OSG OSM
7.2.4 Machine Type Communication (M2M and IoT) - OSG OSM
7.2.5 Reliable and Critical Communication - OSG OSM, TC BRAN, TC CYBER
7.2.6 Other Applications - TC CYBER

7.3 Ground Segment

7.3.1 Physical layer 63 - TC DECT
7.3.2 Network Operations - TC DECT, TC EMTEL, TC ERM
7.3.3 Content Delivery Optimisation - TC HF, TC INT, TC INT (AFI WG)

7.4 Space Segment

7.4.1 HTS Broadband GEO - TC INT (AFI WG)
7.4.4 Highly Flexible Payloads - TC INT (AFI WG)
7.4.5 Nano-Systems - TC INT (AFI WG)

7.5 Communication Architectures

7.5.1 Virtualisation and Network Cloudification - TC INT (AFI WG)
7.5.2 Enabling Networking for NGSO (Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit) Systems - TC INT (AFI WG)
7.5.3 Optimised Content Delivery - TC INT (AFI WG)

7.6 Convergence with Heterogeneous Networks

7.6.1 Joint Radio Resource Management (RRM) - TC LI
7.6.2 End-to-End Content Delivery - TC MSG
7.6.3 Security - TC MSG, TC MSG TFES
7.6.4 Integrated Network Managment - TC MSG TFES, TC RRS

8.1 Digital Service Transformation - TC SES

8.2 From Software-Centric to Human-Centric Services - TC SES

8.3 Services Everywhere, Infrastructure No Limits - TC SES

8.4 Network-Unaware Vertical Services - TC SES

8.5 Extreme Automation and Real-Time Zero-Touch Service Orchestration - TC SES

8.6 Service Injection Loop - TC SES

9.1 The Physical Stratum: Communication and Computing Resources

9.1.1 Nano-Things Networking - TC SmartM2M
9.1.2 Bio-Nano-Things Networking - TC SmartM2M
9.1.3 Quantum Networking - TC SmartM2M

9.2 Algorithms and Data

9.2.1 Impact of AI/ML on the Network
9.2.2 Impact of IoT on the Network
9.2.3 Impact of Blockchain Technologies on the Network
9.2.4 Evolution of Protocols

9.3 Applications

9.3.1 Application Level Networking
9.3.2 Applications (Components) in the Network
9.3.3 Applications Making Specific Demands to the Network

2.1 Virtualised Network Control for Increased Flexibility - 3GPP CT

2.2 Integrated Fixed-Mobile Architecture - 3GPP CT

2.3 Slicing and Orchestrators - 3GPP CT1

2.5 Media Access Control - 3GPP CT3

2.6 Network-Based Localisation - 3GPP GERAN & 3GPP RAN

3.1 Spectrum Re-farming and Reutilisation - 3GPP RAN and 3GPP RAN5

3.2 Millimetre Waves - 3GPP SA1

3.3 Optical Wireless Communication - 3GPP SA1

3.4 Terahertz Communications - 3GPP SA1

3.5 Ultra-Massive MIMO - 3GPP SA1

3.6 Non-orthogonal Carriers - 3GPP SA2

3.7 Enhanced Modulation and Coding - 3GPP SA2

3.8 Improved Positioning and Communication - 3GPP SA2

3.9 Random-Access for Massive Connections - 3GPP SA2

3.10 Wireless Edge Caching for Further Increased Throughput - 3GPP SA1

4.1 Flexible Capacity Scaling - 3GPP SA2

4.2 New Switching Paradigms - 3GPP SA3

4.3 Deterministic Networking - 3GPP SA3

4.4 Optical Wireless Integration - 3GPP SA3

4.5 Optical Network Automation - 3GPP SA3

4.6 Security for Mission Critical Services - 3GPP SA3

4.7 Ultra-high Energy Efficiency - 3GPP SA3

4.8 Optical Integration 2.0 - 3GPP SA3

5.1 Beyond Mobile Edge Computing - 3GPP SA3

5.2 Future Directions for Fog Computing

5.2.1 Cloud Computing: Friend or Foe? - 3GPP SA3 and 3GPP SA4
5.2.2 Fog Computing - 3GPP SA5
5.2.3 Fog Computing Research Directions - 3GPP SA5

5.3 Massive IoT Services

5.3.1 Critical IoT services - 3GPP SA5
5.3.2 Scalable management of massive deployments - 3GPP SA6
5.3.3 Distributed/autonomous and cooperative computing - 3GPP SA6, ISG CIM, ISG ENI

5.4 Data Analytics and Data Monetisation

5.4.1 Big Data - ISG MEC
5.4.2 Distributed Ledgers - ISG MEC
5.4.3 Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) - ISG MEC, ISG mWT, ISG NFV
5.4.4 Lack of awareness and knowledge in personal data monetisation - ISG NFV
5.4.5 Fraud mitigation in data monetisation - ISG NFV

ISG NIN

ISG PDL

ISG QKD

6.1 Security Transformation - ISG QKD

6.2 Network-wide Security - ISG QKD and ISG ZSM

6.3 Slice-Specific and Convergence on Common Software Defined Patterns - ISG ZSM

6.4 Distributed Trust Systems - ISG ZSM

6.5 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Application - ISG ZSM

7.1 Overall Vision - oneM2M

7.2.1 Multimedia Delivery - oneM2M
7.2.2 Broadband Access - oneM2M
7.2.3 Mobile Broadband to Users and Vehicles - OSG OSM
7.2.4 Machine Type Communication (M2M and IoT) - OSG OSM
7.2.5 Reliable and Critical Communication - OSG OSM, TC BRAN, TC CYBER
7.2.6 Other Applications - TC CYBER

7.3 Ground Segment

7.3.1 Physical layer 63 - TC DECT
7.3.2 Network Operations - TC DECT, TC EMTEL, TC ERM
7.3.3 Content Delivery Optimisation - TC HF, TC INT, TC INT (AFI WG)

7.4 Space Segment

7.4.1 HTS Broadband GEO - TC INT (AFI WG)
7.4.4 Highly Flexible Payloads - TC INT (AFI WG)
7.4.5 Nano-Systems - TC INT (AFI WG)

7.5 Communication Architectures

7.5.1 Virtualisation and Network Cloudification - TC INT (AFI WG)
7.5.2 Enabling Networking for NGSO (Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit) Systems - TC INT (AFI WG)
7.5.3 Optimised Content Delivery - TC INT (AFI WG)

7.6 Convergence with Heterogeneous Networks

7.6.1 Joint Radio Resource Management (RRM) - TC LI
7.6.2 End-to-End Content Delivery - TC MSG
7.6.3 Security - TC MSG, TC MSG TFES
7.6.4 Integrated Network Managment - TC MSG TFES, TC RRS

8.1 Digital Service Transformation - TC SES

8.2 From Software-Centric to Human-Centric Services - TC SES

8.3 Services Everywhere, Infrastructure No Limits - TC SES

8.4 Network-Unaware Vertical Services - TC SES

8.5 Extreme Automation and Real-Time Zero-Touch Service Orchestration - TC SES

8.6 Service Injection Loop - TC SES

9.1 The Physical Stratum: Communication and Computing Resources

9.1.1 Nano-Things Networking - TC SmartM2M
9.1.2 Bio-Nano-Things Networking - TC SmartM2M
9.1.3 Quantum Networking - TC SmartM2M

9.2 Algorithms and Data

9.2.1 Impact of AI/ML on the Network
9.2.2 Impact of IoT on the Network
9.2.3 Impact of Blockchain Technologies on the Network
9.2.4 Evolution of Protocols

9.3 Applications

9.3.1 Application Level Networking
9.3.2 Applications (Components) in the Network
9.3.3 Applications Making Specific Demands to the Network

Bringing the results of Research Projects into ETSI

Research projects funded by such programmes as Horizon Europe, SNS JU, Digital Europe and H2020 are not legal entities and the ‘projects’ themselves may not become a member of ETSI, nor can they provide contributions in the name of the ‘project’ to ETSI committees. 

However, the ideal path is for ETSI members that are present in those research projects to contribute elements of the research results directly in to ETSI technical groups, as contributions in the member's own name. They may indicate the origin of their contributions by acknowledging in their contribution documents that the work comes from a specific research project.

If there is no ‘existing home for the research results in ETSI it is always possible to create a new group to welcome the research topics and community. This is typically done using such groups as ISGs (Industry Specification Groups).

With many H2020 projects now concluding and others just beginning, there are multiple opportunities for interaction between research and standards:

With H2020 research projects that are already finalized, in particular for exploitation of the project results via standards With H2020 research projects that are currently ongoing and may address topics of relevance and interests to ETSI With future Horizon Europe, SNS JU and Digital Europe research projects that may address topics of relevance and interests to ETSI

Should you have any questions or require further guidance on how to bring research results into ETSI, please contact research@etsi.org.

ETSI’s participation in Research Projects

ETSI as an organization does not generally join a research project as a contractual partner.  

However, project proponents may contact ETSI directly should they wish to include relevant activities addressing standardization in the project proposal.

For cases where project consortia wish to establish strong links with ETSI’s technical work, ETSI may, under specific conditions, provide a “letter of support” which confirms ETSI’s interest in the relevant standardization project outcomes. The ETSI CTO considers each request on a case-by-case basis.

In exceptional circumstances, where the linkage between the project and ETSI standards work is expected to be significant, ETSI representative may participate to the project advisory committees. This offers an opportunity to have a regular exchanges with relevant projects and provide guidance on potential standards activities.

ETSI representatives may also participate to research conferences, project coordination and cluster meetings.  

This provides an opportunity to meet and network with project leaders and Commission staff as well as providing feedback on the opportunities for standardization activities for innovative research topics.

Should you have any questions on ETSI’s participation in research projects or related topics, please contact research@etsi.org.

We have compiled some of the most asked questions for Research & Innovation related to ETSI standardization. If you don't find what you are looking for please contact us at research@etsi.org.

Frequently asked questions

I work on several ICT related research projects and am thinking of taking some elements into standardizations – how do I get involved?

It is best to examine the existing work in ICT related SDOs and Fora and see if there are synergies. It is possible to influence existing work in ETSI by revising existing deliverables, and also to start new deliverables in existing groups or even create new groups.

How can I start an Industry Specification Group (ISG) in ETSI?

To start an ISG, first of all you need an idea for ICT standardization and a group of ETSI members who wish to bring that idea into ETSI. Once you have those initial elements contact research@etsi.org.

How long does it take to move research results into a standard?

This depends of the maturity of the research and also the synergies the work has with existing standards activities. It is safe to say, the earlier researchers start considering related standards work, the better.

When is the right time to get involved in Standards activities, when should I get in contact with ETSI?

It is best to consider what standards may be required for an innovative research topic early on in the process. You can contact ETSI research helpdesk research@etsi.org at any time.

How do I initiate new work?

New work can be brought to existing ETSI groups or new groups can be created specially to house new research topics. To contribute work to ETSI this can be done via ETSI members as direct contribution to technical groups.

How much does it cost for my university to become an ETSI member?

ETSI has reduced fees for “Universities, public research bodies and not-for-profit user associations” set to  €2 100 per year. More information can be found in our membership section.

What is the benefit of exploiting my research through standardization?

Standards support interoperability across technologies. They help create global markets. They enable networked development, where innovation occurs on top of existing technology platforms. ICT standards embody a ‘state of the art’ of technology development. They are an essential resource for researchers in ICT. ICT markets are shaped by standards.  If ICT research should lead to new products, new services, or whole new markets, then clearly research must lead to standardization activities.

I am looking to get support for my research project from ETSI, how does that work?

ETSI can offer to provide Letters of Support to project proposals when the scope of those projects meet certain criteria. Such criteria include the project involving several ETSI members, falling within the scope of ICT, and most importantly having the clear intention to bring research results into ETSI.

For more information contact research@etsi.org.

How can I identify what universities are members of ETSI?

The full ETSI membership list can be found on our website. Simply filter the view by “Research Body (public)”, “Research Body (private)” or “University”.

How can I find out more about EU research projects and funding?

This falls under the scope of the European Commission. More information about the EC funding programmes that support research and innovation projects, with links to open and upcoming calls can be found on the EC website.

What about IPR?

See the ETSI IPR POLICY: Standards rely on technical contributions from various sources. These contributions may contain patented technologies which are commonly known as Standard Essential Patents (SEP). When it is not possible on technical grounds to make or operate equipment or methods which comply with a standard without infringing a SEP, i.e. without using technologies that are covered by one or more patents, we describe that patent as ‘essential’. More information can be found on our website.

Can I get advice and training on how to participate in standards?

There is guidance text on the ETSI webpages. In addition we have developed a set of teaching materials on standardization, a comprehensive textbook, “Understanding ICT Standardization: Principles and Practice”, together with an extensive set of over 380 slides to be used as teaching aids.

We also hold an ETSI Seminar twice a year (May/June and November/December), to provide an intensive course on ETSI, its organization, structure, ways of working and related subjects.

Can I be paid to be involved in standards?

ETSI does not fund researchers directly, but there is certain funding available from projects such as StandICT and others.

What is the cost to be involved in standardization?

Beyond the cost of membership to ETSI (that is greatly reduced for researchers, academics and SMEs) the real cost of participation in standards is ‘time’ and ‘invested energy’. This cost depends on your level of activity and engagement.

How do I check whether relevant standards work is already in place?

All of ETSI’s deliverables are available for free and can be consulted and downloaded from the standards search on our website. Search by “keywords” relating to the scope of you project.