Data-Centric Service-Aware Networks for Intelligent Connectivity (CREATIVE)

    Scope of the workshop

    The CREATIVE workshop will examine the progression of network management and orchestration in the context of 6G and beyond, with a particular emphasis on the transition from conventional Quality of Service (QoS)-centric approaches to a more refined focus on Quality of Experience (QoE). While QoS metrics such as throughput and latency have traditionally been employed to optimize network operations, they often fall short in capturing the diverse, application-specific outcomes demanded by contemporary services. The increasing prevalence of applications such as voice, video, augmented/extended reality (AR/XR), and AI inference has rendered the "one-size-fits-all" model of network optimization inadequate. Addressing these challenges necessitates "service-awareness," which incorporates QoE considerations into network design and management frameworks.

    Furthermore, the workshop will explore the significance of "non-connectivity" data, including network performance metrics, sensing data, and machine learning (ML) model management, in facilitating adaptive and intelligent network operations. By effectively utilizing such data, networks can dynamically accommodate varied application requirements while maintaining scalability, reliability, and optimal performance. Key topics of interest include AI-native control loops, cross-layer and cross-domain orchestration, intent-based networking, digital twins for network planning and optimization, and the integration of edge-cloud intelligence.

    In addition, the workshop will address broader system-level challenges such as scalability, energy efficiency, sustainability, trust, security, privacy, and the implications for standardization and practical deployment. Ultimately, this workshop aims to serve as a distinguished platform for researchers, practitioners, and industry leaders to engage in discussions and advance the adoption of service-aware and data-driven methodologies in networking. By tackling critical challenges and fostering collaboration, the workshop seeks to contribute meaningfully to the vision of shaping the future of 6G and beyond.

    This workshop will be held exclusively in-person.

    Topics of interest:

    Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

    • Service-aware Network Architectures
    • Network and Application Interactions, Abstractions and Interfaces
    • Data-driven Network Management and Orchestration
    • Connectivity and Non-connectivity Data Telemetry
    • QoS/QoE Measurement and Prediction
    • Predictive Analysis, Anomaly Detection and Real-time Network Optimization
    • Scalable and Efficient Dynamic Adaptation to Diverse Application Demands
    • Service-customized Network Slicing
    • Risk Mitigation for Privacy and Security between Networks and Applications
    • Emerging Networked Applications and Technologies (e.g., AR/VR)
    • Next Generation Networked Systems for Autonomous Driving and Remote/Teleoperated Vehicle
    • Digital Twins for Network Planning, Optimization, and Validation
    • Edge–Cloud Intelligence and Distributed AI for Service-aware Networking
    • Context-aware Networking using Sensing, Mobility, and Environmental Data
    • Cross-layer and Cross-domain Network Orchestration (RAN–Edge–Core–Cloud)
    • Trustworthy Networking: Security, Privacy, and Explainability in AI-driven Control
    • Human-in-the-Loop AI-driven Communication Network Systems
    • Experimental Platforms, Testbeds, and Real-world Deployment Experiences

    Important Dates

    • Paper submission deadline: March 22, 2026 April 7, 2026  April 14, 2026 (AoE) - Firm
    • Notification of acceptance: April 21st, 2026  April 28, 2026
    • Camera-ready deadline: April 30th, 2026 May 4, 2026
    • Workshop date: May 24th

    Paper submission

    Submitted papers should be written in English by following the IEEE conference format (double-column, 10pt font), with a maximum length limit of 6 (six) printed pages, including all figures, references, and appendices.

    Papers should be submitted through EDAS in PDF through the following link: EDAS

    Only original papers that have not been published or submitted for review elsewhere will be considered for publication in the proceedings.

    Papers will appear in the conference proceedings and will be submitted for inclusion into IEEE Xplore subject to meeting IEEE Xplore’s scope and quality requirements.

    At least one author of each accepted paper is required to register and present the work in the workshop.

    A single-blind review process will be followed.

    Workshop Organizing Team

    • General Co-Chairs
      • Nakjung Choi, Nokia Bell Labs, USA
      • Ricard Vilalta, Centre Tecnologic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya, Spain
      • Zhi-Li Zhang, University of Minnesota, USA 
    • TPC Co-Chairs
      • Ajay Kumar Gurumadaiah, University of Minnesota, USA
      • Ahan Kak, Nokia Bell Labs, USA

    TPC Members

    • Alberto Conte, Nokia Bell Labs, France
    • Lluis Gifre-Renom, CTTC, Spain
    • Mikel Irazabal, BubbleRAN, France
    • Bo Ji, Virgina Tech, USA
    • Chunghan Lee, Toyota InfoTech Labs, USA
    • Qiang Liu, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA)
    • Diego R. Lopez, Telefonica, Spain
    • Sarit Mukherjee, Nokia Bell Labs, USA
    • Antonio de la Oliva, UC3M, Spain
    • Sangheon Pack, Korea University, Korea
    • Arindam Khanda, Missouri University of Science and Technology, USA
    • Varun Reddy, Qualcomm, USA
    • Eman Ramadan, University of Minnesota, USA
    • Anusha Vangala, National Institute of Technology, INDIA
    • Anurag Satpathy, Missouri University of Science and Technology, USA
    • Diego Perino, Telefonica, Spain
    • Giovanna Carofiglo, Cisco, France
    • Olivier Bonaventure, UCLouvain, Belgium