Antecedents of Future 6G Mobile Ecosystems

Abstract

This paper applies an integrative, futures-oriented action research methodology to explore the antecedents of future 6G mobile communications ecosystems. Based on extant ecosystem research, the paper develops a conceptual framework to depict and analyze mobile communications ecosystems. The developed framework is used for analyzing future 6G mobile communications ecosystems by looking at ecosystem contingencies, structures, process, goals, and outcomes, and it briefly discusses the key transformations anticipated for 6G mobile ecosystems. The results indicate that 6G will bring about fundamental structural changes to the mobile ecosystem, calls for novel models of ecosystem governance and regulation that highlight privacy, security, environmental sustainability and societal resilience.