Abstract

This paper expands the current 6G visioning stemming from usage scenarios, key value and key performance indicators towards stakeholder dynamics utilizing stakeholder analysis from strategic management. In developing a future oriented 6G system involving incumbents and a large number of novel stakeholders with distinct views, it is essential to understand the operational environment, key stakeholder interactions, and dynamics. This paper explores the origins of the 6G platforms and identifies key stakeholders of the future 6G ecosystem. Stakeholder salience attributes including power, legitimacy, and urgency are further analyzed. Results indicate that the competition for digital platforms’ power and legitimacy is intensifying as catalytic combinations of cloud computing, AI and data are ubiquitously embedded and multiplying their impact across 6G system. The urgency indicators for the development of pervasive general-purpose 6G are collaborative research, harmonized standardization, and anticipatory regulation efforts for empowered users and developers in the ecosystem.