Remote Surgery with 5G or 6G: Knowledge Production and Diffusion Globally and in the German Case

Abstract

This paper is a comprehensive exploring of technology capability in 5G/6G TIS, explicitly focusing on the potential of remote surgery globally and in Germany. The paper's main contribution is its ability to anticipate new debates on the interplay between TIS and contexts, with particular emphasis on the national and international levels. Our findings, derived from a Bibliometrics study of industry-academic relationships, highlight crucial collaborations in Germany, positioning the country as a strategic actor in international TIS and, by extension, in applying 5G/6G technological systems to remote surgery due to its knowledge production capability. We propose policies that can stimulate interaction between smaller suppliers and larger companies, which can act as intermediaries and provide access to international markets. The German government may adopt innovation, science and technology policies on 5G and 6G networks, such as targeted incentive policies for patent creation and publications and R&D activities focused on 5G and 6G in the medical field.