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Aimed at bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and global telecommunications standards, the National Communications Academy – Finance (NCA-F), formerly known as the National Institute for Communication Finance (NICF), is partnering with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Area Office in Delhi and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore to host a pivotal two-day workshop titled “BHARAT 6G VISION: TRANSLATING RESEARCH TO STANDARDS” at IISc, Bengaluru.
This marks the second installment of the workshop series, serving as a precursor to the landmark ITU World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA-24), which India will host for the first time in October 2024. The event will be inaugurated by Shri Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom), setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the Bharat 6G vision.
Anticipating over 200 participants, the workshop is meticulously designed to offer extensive capacity building on the ITU standardisation process and the critical role of Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. Targeting government officials, industry leaders, academicians, researchers, and students, the workshop seeks to enhance their proficiency in these domains and cultivate future leaders in ICT standardisation.
Discussions will look at strengthening India’s contributions to the ITU standardisation process. Panellists from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), industry leaders, and top academicians from IISc and the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) will share their insights on enhancing India’s role in global standards-making.
Robert Clark, Advisor at ITU Geneva, will lead workshops focused on the essential skills needed to draft, present, and negotiate contributions to the ITU. These sessions are designed to equip participants with practical knowledge, reinforced through engaging role-play exercises and quizzes.
The crucial topic of Intellectual Property Rights, particularly Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) in the telecom sector, will be examined. An expert from NLSIU will deliver an introductory session, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive panel discussion. Representatives from government bodies, patent offices, industry, and academia will explore the significance of SEPs and their impact on the telecom industry.
National Communications Academy-F, an apex-level central government training institute under the Ministry of Communications, has been instrumental in addressing the training needs of the Department of Telecom and the Department of Posts since its establishment in 2023. Alongside the ITU Area Office for South Asia and the Innovation Centre in Delhi, NCA-F is committed to uniting governments, industries, and academia across South Asia. Their collective mission is to advance digital technology, bridge the digital divide, and foster innovation in ICT technologies, services, and applications.
By facilitating such workshops, NCA-F, IISc, and ITU are laying the groundwork for India’s leadership in the global telecommunications landscape. The initiative not only aims to enhance technical skills and knowledge but also to ensure that India remains at the forefront of setting international standards in the rapidly evolving 6G era.
“As India prepares to host the ITU-WTSA-24, initiatives like this workshop are crucial in equipping our professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to global standardisation efforts,” said a representative from NCA-F. “We are committed to fostering a collaborative environment where government, academia, and industry can converge to drive innovation and maintain our competitive edge in the ICT sector.”
The “BHARAT 6G VISION: TRANSLATING RESEARCH TO STANDards” workshop is a significant step towards empowering Indian entities to play a pivotal role in the global standards-making process. By fostering leadership in ICT standardisation and patent processes, the workshop aims to position India as a key player in shaping the future of telecommunications.
