Redefining connectivity: How emerging technologies and communication networks drive digital transformation

The field of digital innovation is undergoing a profound transformation driven by emerging technologies that depend increasingly on advanced communication networks. Artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), extended reality, and autonomous systems are redefining how people, objects, and data interact on a global scale. As 5G becomes more widespread and 6G looms on the horizon, the potential for ultrafast, low‑latency, and highly reliable connectivity is being realized, fueling new applications across sectors such as transportation, healthcare, and smart cities. However, the current technological landscape reflects a striking duality: while innovation accelerates, network infrastructure must evolve in parallel to meet growing demands for speed, scalability, and security. Recent studies highlight the integration of edge and cloud computing as key enablers of distributed data processing, improved system responsiveness, and enhanced information protection. Nonetheless, challenges persist in ensuring equitable access, mitigating cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and reconciling regulatory frameworks with rapid technological progression. Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary collaboration and a renewed research focus on how networks and emerging technologies co‑evolve. This Research Topic aims to explore how the integration of emerging technologies and next‑generation communication networks serves as the cornerstone of digital innovation. It seeks to examine the symbiotic relationship between technological advancement and network evolution by addressing questions such as: How can networks be optimized to support complex, data‑intensive applications? What strategies can enhance security and resilience in hyper‑connected systems? And how can policy, design, and implementation align to foster an inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem? Through these inquiries, the Research Topic aspires to contribute new theoretical and practical insights on building adaptive, intelligent, and ethically grounded communication infrastructures. To gather further insights into the convergence between emerging technologies and communication networks across diverse contexts, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes: - Next‑generation communication networks (5G, 6G, and beyond) - Integration of AI, IoT, and extended reality within networked systems - Network intelligence, automation, and self‑optimizing infrastructures - Cybersecurity, privacy, and resilience in digital ecosystems - Scalability and sustainability challenges of network infrastructure - Social network dynamics in hyper‑connected environments - Privacy, security, and ethical challenges in social platforms - AI‑driven content distribution, moderation, and governance This Research Topic welcomes contributions in the form of Original Research, Review, Perspective, and Policy Brief articles. Topic editors: Freddy Tapia, Cristhian Iza, Hugo Oswaldo Moreno Aviles Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81026/redefining-connectivity-how-emerging-technologies-and-communication-networks-drive-digital-transformation