Drive the evolution of the internet towards open and interoperable Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds: building blocks in priority areas (RIA) (Virtual Worlds Partnership)

New ways of working, assisted by technologies for physical or cognitive augmentation (exo-skeletons, digital twins, collaborative AI, virtual and extended reality) will increase efficiency, safety and quality of work, provided they are trustworthy, safe and reliable, as well as human-centric and free from gender, racial and other social biases by design. Within the dynamic context of flexible organisation and process flows, workers will have to be empowered to co-create their new forms of working and collaboration within and across organisations, through participation, social innovation or living labs, where social economy actors and local grassroots initiatives are of particular importance. New job profiles and skills will emerge, often requiring digital competence, in addition to social and green skills (e.g. awareness of impact, circularity options). Continuous learning, through formal training, on-the-job learning or being immersed in virtual worlds, combined with appropriate certification and reward mechanisms can boost the attractiveness of careers in many sectors, including manufacturing. A new dynamic, in the spirit of Industry 5.0, will be brought to the workplace through better human interaction with production technologies, open innovation, supporting young professionals’ innovations in e.g. manufacturing, as well as participation of new actors, such as fablabs. Digital environments and virtual worlds will enable new forms of collaboration in generating new product and process ideas, assisted by digital twins and AI, in an inclusive, trustworthy and ethical fashion.

Just like today’s internet, the future internet will drive industrial, social and cultural innovation. Destination 6 will develop technologies for an inclusive, gender-equal, trustworthy and humancentric internet. This will build on a more resilient, sustainable, and decentralised architecture, empower end-users with more control over their data and their digital identity, and enable new social and business models that respect European values. The destination will also spearhead the use of virtual worlds and digital twins where they can make a real difference. Industrial virtual worlds could increase productivity, improve working conditions and access to work, and address and anticipate skills gaps for highly complex products/services or for safety-critical operations. Smart communities and ‘citiverses’ can empower public authorities and people to fulfil their aspirations. To reach the ambitious goal of achieving trustworthy AI, ‘compliant by design’ with the AI Act – challenges such as accuracy, robustness, transparency and efficiency have to be addressed, along eliminating biases in data entry to assure fairness in light of individual differences, e.g. in gender or age, and intersectional diversity. Increasing the cognitive level of AI systems (like from combining data-driven and symbolic learning) is crucial for their wider uptake and acceptance. Smart ‘technology-for-trust’ (e.g. blockchain for identity and transaction tracking, AI to counter biases, deep-fake recognition, fact checking) will also have a role. The Cluster will focus particularly on generative AI (addressing algorithms, data and computational resources), foundational models and language technologies to gain strategic autonomy in this area. This is expected to trigger a whole range of new applications in entertainment, education and commerce, starting with assisted and virtual content production, and on demand synthetic media. Beyond these, the possibilities in industrial settings (e.g. robotics, training, process planning, quality assurance), in public services and public administrations are largely untapped. Involvement of social sciences and humanities will help bring benefits and respect for European values. Specific measures are needed to allow start-ups and smaller companies to use and benefit from AI, data (including by enabling access to the high-performance computing power needed), photonics and robotics, and to play an active part in developing the next generation of smart technologies within a diverse and open European innovation ecosystem. Similarly, the responsible use of AI in science, research and engineering is going to be key for keeping up the scientific and technological global competitiveness of the EU. These elements will also contribute to the EU’s Apply AI Strategy, a comprehensive approach aimed at establishing Europe as a global leader in the development and adoption of AI, by fostering a vibrant AI ecosystem and making Europe a hub for AI innovation and growth, where world-class AI models are developed and integrated into strategic sectors. This initiative is designed to drive innovation, economic growth, and competitiveness, while ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared by all. The topics related to Generative AI included in this destination will support the implementation of the GenAI4EU initiative included in the AI Innovation Package of 24 January 2024, and constitute an integral part of the broader Apply AI strategy, aiming to create a cohesive and coordinated approach to AI development and adoption, one that promotes European excellence and leadership in this critical field. A well-functioning European ecosystem of digital commons, based on open technologies and driven by European values, and a thriving culture of collaboration and social innovation are essential for ensuring sovereignty, trust and user empowerment. New software engineering techniques are needed that are applicable from core to edge and across the entire software stack to build the open distributed systems that the cluster envisages. AI-driven as well as low-code methodologies will help address shortages of digital skills, increase productivity and allow for point-of-use configuration and personalisation.

This destination is structured around the following headings:

Virtual Worlds

The objective of this heading is to gain industrial leadership in Virtual Worlds technology at large (eg. eXtended Reality technologies and immersive environments), while ensuring the European values of privacy, ethics and inclusiveness. It also aims at advancing immersive virtual experiences, supporting a user-centered Web 4.0, and building a sustainable digital ecosystem within Europe. The efforts will notably focus on advancing immersive experiences, enhancing virtual world technologies, and support the launch of the new European Partnership on Virtual Worlds that will drive innovation, access resources, and foster industry collaboration across the virtual worlds' value chain.

AI-GenAI / Data / Robotics

The GenAI4EU HUB aims to build a vibrant European GenAI ecosystem by fostering collaboration, visibility, and innovation across strategic sectors. This initiative supports the European Commission's AI Office in creating a trustworthy AI ecosystem that maximizes societal and economic benefits. It will coordinate efforts among stakeholders—ranging from local GenAI communities and startups to large industries—enhancing the EU’s GenAI impact and visibility. Additionally, it will monitor the EU GenAI landscape, assess market needs, and disseminate findings to foster a cohesive and innovative GenAI environment. The HUB also aligns with European partnerships like ADRA, ensuring integration with existing initiatives and contributing to the EU’s leadership in AI and GenAI advancements.

Standardisation and Knowledge Valorisation

Linked to the importance of deploying the results of research and innovation in the Union, in order to achieve economic, environmental and social outcomes, a number of topics in this Work Programme will support essential efforts in knowledge valorisation and standardisation; and in improving access to technology infrastructures.

International Cooperation

The proposed international coordination and support actions are aligned with the Commission’s international priorities. They will help build strong international digital partnerships and promote a human-centred digital agenda. International cooperation will further a level playing field and reciprocity while delivering new solutions to digital challenges. Through evidence-based advice and joint actions with leading semiconductor nations like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, the USA, Canada, and India, the aim is to bolster Europe's role in the global semiconductor value chain. This includes guiding the European Commission on research collaborations and policy measures while providing factual insights into emerging technologies and global supply chains. In parallel, proposed actions will focus on strengthening international cooperation in the semiconductor sector and advancing Generative AI (GenAI) initiatives in Africa. The aim would be to empower African societies, particularly rural communities and women, by equipping local technology companies with the tools to leverage GenAI for innovative solutions in key areas, thereby unlocking its potential for social and economic development in Africa.

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