Future wireless networks (FWNs) will need to efficiently and flexibly provide diversified services such as enhanced mobile broadband access, ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine-type communications . RECOMBINE joins the scientific excellence and expertise of key academic and industrial players into a joint collaborative effort to build the framework for the design oif FWNs beyond 5G that are able to support multiple operational standards for exploitation of intrinsic network heterogeneity; capable of processing information generated from a huge volume of heterogeneous sources and with sufficient intrinsic resilience to counter potential security threats. RECOMBINE will pursue innovations for advancing in the areas of mm-wave technology, licensed spectrum access, antenna design, channel propagation and modeling, and network prediction and quality of experience supported by artifical intelligence. In addition, RECOMBINE will integrate scientific and business model innovations for building a framework to fulfill the economic potential of FWNs.

Toys market in EU (and globally) is characterized by the domination of a limited number of huge global brands, even though 99% of EU toy manufacturing companies are SMEs. Thus SMEs need to find new ways to strengthen their position, against large competitors. In this context, ToyLabs envisions to introduce a new model that will innovate on the value network of SMEs, towards the direction of changing their market positioning & prospects in the Toy Industry, overcoming obstacles like geographical barriers and fragmented markets. In particular, a multi-stakeholder co-creation network will be created, supported via an open ICT platform, that will bring together a toy manufacturer with other key players of the toy industry value network – FabLabs, Toy Security Experts and End Customers- to collaborate closely for the provision of new toys, that will be user-oriented, will respond to a clear market demand and will be probably addressed to multiple markets. Through ToyLabs approach, each involved stakeholder is expected to offer his valuable perspective that will open up new opportunities for SMEs. Taking advantage of the platform, a toy manufacturer will be able to collect multi-source feedback on new product concepts & designs, through iterative cycles where the initial idea is firstly co-designed with FabLabs, validated by toy safety experts and evaluated by prospective customers both virtually (via augmented reality technologies) and actually (based on prototypes). The main outcomes of the project will be the creation of the ToyLabs collaboration network, based on an innovative ICT enterprise collaboration platform, enriched with added value services utilising state-of-play emerging ICT technologies (e.g. social analytics, augmented reality) and a complete methodological approach to support the operation of the network in order to offer to any SME Toy Manufacturer the opportunity to initiate an alternative process for the creation of new, innovative products.