While advanced connectivity technologies are having a transformative impact on intelligent transport systems, connected logistics corridors, automated supply chains and future mobility ecosystems, the transformation is potentially creating gaps in the skills required to design, manage and secure these systems. This convergence of connectivity, mobility, logistics and digital infrastructure means that workforce transformation will affect multiple sectors and professional profiles.
The newly launched CoRe 5G – Centres of Vocational Excellence for Resilient 5G Networks, which kicked off from 5-6 May in Athens, is a four-year European initiative dedicated to strengthening Europe’s capabilities in resilient and sustainable telecommunications infrastructure while addressing the growing need for workforce preparedness in the era of 5G and beyond. ERTICO-ITS Europe has joined the CoRe 5G consortium comprising 22 partners and eight associated partners from Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Greece, Slovenia, and Cyprus to build a transnational ecosystem for vocational excellence in next-generation connectivity technologies.
Matching Europe’s connectivity innovation with workforce readiness
The demand for resilient connectivity is growing each day as critical sectors depend more heavily on uninterrupted digital communication. Future mobility systems, logistics operations and industrial ecosystems rely on networks capable of handling real-time data exchange, edge computing, automation and AI-enabled services with high levels of reliability and security. The operational complexities, cybersecurity considerations and interoperability challenges resulting from these emerging technologies require both technological innovation and human expertise.
“As connectivity, mobility, logistics and digital infrastructure converge, workforce transformation is becoming a cross-sector imperative", says ERTICO Head of Transport for Logistics, Dr Eusebiu Catana, who leads the M&L vertical within the CoRe5G project.
Innovation Labs featuring advanced 5G testing environments and digital twin technologies
CoRe 5G aims to respond to this challenge by creating a transnational ecosystem for vocational excellence and developing skills for the future 6G technology, bringing together education providers, research institutions and industry stakeholders to develop practical, future-oriented learning pathways. Over the next four years, the project will establish Innovation Labs featuring advanced 5G testing environments and digital twin technologies, while supporting upskilling and reskilling programmes designed to prepare professionals for the evolving digital economy.
“Complementing the Innovation Labs, the ERTICO Academy will act as a focal point for vocational excellence, offering hands-on learning opportunities and fostering collaboration to accelerate workforce readiness for 5G and future 6G technologies”, adds Dr Catana.
For ERTICO, this focus on workforce preparedness is closely linked to the broader evolution of mobility and logistics systems.
Deploying advanced connectivity technologies requires a workforce capable of understanding, operating and innovating within increasingly complex digital ecosystems. In CoRe 5G, ERTICO will contribute its expertise in ITS stakeholder engagement and digital infrastructure while helping bridge the gap between technological innovation and workforce capability.
The project also builds on ERTICO’s experience from previous European initiatives, particularly FENIX, 5G-LOGINNOV, and 5G-MOBIX, which explored how digital connectivity and data-driven collaboration can improve automated transport and logistics operations across borders. These projects demonstrated the growing importance of interoperable platforms, real-time communications and secure data exchange for the future of mobility and supply chains.
Through CoRe 5G, ERTICO will extend this work further by contributing transport, logistics and automotive supply chain perspectives to the development of future connectivity models and emerging 6G use cases. This includes supporting discussions around future digital infrastructure blueprints, operational resilience and sustainable business models for next-generation communication systems.
"CoRe 5G is also building a transnational ecosystem for vocational excellence to equip professionals with the skills needed for the 6G era", concludes Dr Catana. Participation in the project reinforces ERTICO’s commitment to combining innovation in connectivity with collaboration, knowledge exchange, and skills development to ensure that technological progress is matched by human capability and preparedness.