Technoeconomic Analysis and Stakeholders Engaging (Intermediate Report)

In the framework of EVOLVED-5G project and specifically within Work Package 6 (WP6)/Task 6.3 (T6.3), an analysis has been conducted around technoeconomic aspects that emerge from the introduction of the Network Applications (Network App) ecosystem. By definition Network Apps interact with an underlay network to provide advanced services to verticals or to networks. The interaction that is created among the network and the applications, is supported by APIs than can refer to any plane, namely control, data, or management. A key concept that EVOLVED-5G investigates is the interaction at control plane, targeting the network core exposure capabilities (and thus, the related standardized APIs) for 5G NPN (Non-Public Networks) scenarios. The analysis follows a top-down approach. The first step was to identify the current business and economic impact of 5G. Through a state-of-the art analysis that we conducted (entitled 5G viability and related investments) and a study of related market reports, useful insights were extracted, regarding the 5G NPN growth in EU and the current expectations from operators and verticals. Then, digging into the concept of Network apps for 5G NPNs, we identified four technology enablers that could pave the way towards the rise of a Network App business paradigm. Those enablers are i) the mobile network openness, which is produced through standardized APIs, ii) the concept of developing Network apps based on highly accepted patterns like the microservice programming, iii) the analytics potential that brings though the NWDAF function high potential for data collection and processing (with AI tools), and iv) the development of auxiliary platforms that facilitate business and stakeholders’ interaction, such as marketplaces. Having specified the related technology enablers, an iterative methodology for technoeconomic analysis was agreed, where the following actions were included in a loop: i) business models and value networks study, ii) viability study, iii) technological impact assessment, and iv) sensitivity analysis. In this context, initial value network models were designed, and business modeling approaches were studied. Also, a mapping of the 5G stakeholders to the stakeholders of a network app was conducted, while for engaging SMEs, startups, developers and entrepreneurs cross-WP activities have started, like the EVOLVED-5G acceleration program. Towards the viability study, feedback was collected regarding the expected technology impact on the business cases that are included in the project. In addition, for a structured feedback collection an online survey was prepared and released. The survey had a major goal to reveal business and technological factors that are related to the Network app ecosystem. The results were analyzed, providing some key insights like the following ones: • There is an optimistic view about the exploitation of the mobile openness and the concept of Network apps (impact is expected in the next 5 years). • The use of standardized APIs is a well-perceived choice, meaning that the EVOLVED-5G approach seems to be in the right direction for long term exploitation. • Artificial intelligence (AI) and open sourcing are key enablers for the success of the Network app ecosystem. • To reap the benefits of Network App ecosystem, the tighter collaboration among the stakeholders and the further financial support from EC research funds, are the most critical factors