EU Commission Web 4.0 Strategy and Concept for Virtual Multiverse Worlds Standards (Cityverse Marketing)

From Web 3.0 to Web 4.0: The EU Commission and its vision for an immersive future

The EU Commission has set itself the goal of actively shaping developments in the area of ​​Web 4.0 and virtual worlds in order to make optimal use of the advantages of these technologies for society. The integration and connection of the physical and digital worlds enabled by Web 4.0 is seen as the key to overcoming current challenges, be it in the field of health, environmental protection or the prediction of natural disasters. It is expected that technological advances in virtual worlds can make a significant contribution to addressing global problems.

The Executive Vice President of the EU Commission, Margrethe Vestager, emphasizes that the implementation of Web 4.0 must focus on people and their rights. Data protection and the fight against disinformation are important concerns to consider. The EU wants to create an open, safe and inclusive digital environment that meets the needs of citizens and respects European values ​​and principles.

Web 4.0 represents a further development of the Internet and goes beyond Web 3.0. It enables comprehensive integration between digital and real-world objects and environments, as well as improved interactions between humans and machines. The vision is a seamlessly connected, intelligent and immersive world in which digital technologies are seamlessly integrated into people's everyday lives.

An outlook for the EU economy up to 2030 published in March highlighted the importance of digitalization as a driving force for economic development. Web 4.0 is seen as one of the most important technological changes that has the potential to sustainably change the world in the coming years. Virtual worlds are identified as a significant market that will grow strongly in the next few years. Experts estimate that the global market volume for virtual worlds will grow from 27 billion euros in 2022 to over 800 billion euros by 2030.

The impact of virtual worlds on how people live together will be significant. On the one hand, opportunities are opening up for new forms of social interaction, education and entrepreneurship. On the other hand, virtual worlds also bring risks that need to be managed. These include potential social isolation, privacy concerns, potential mental health impacts, and the spread of misinformation and manipulation.

The EU Commission's strategy aims to make the best possible use of the opportunities offered by Web 4.0 and virtual worlds while at the same time addressing risks and challenges. European companies should be strengthened to operate successfully in this emerging market. The focus is on protecting people's rights and adhering to European values. The EU wants to play an active role in shaping these technologies to ensure that they serve the needs of people and society as a whole.

Overall, the EU Commission, with its Web 4.0 strategy and the concept for virtual worlds such as Metaverse or Citiverse Standards, promises a forward-looking approach that promotes the development of innovative technologies while at the same time ensuring the protection of civil rights and privacy. The coming years will show how this strategy unfolds and how Europe will act as a leading player in the digital world.

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Europe's path into the metaverse: The EU Commission's Web 4.0 strategy

The EU Commission has developed a comprehensive strategy to promote the development of Web 4.0 and virtual worlds such as the Metaverse or Citiverse standards. The strategy is based on the key points of digitalization: skills, companies, public services and infrastructures. She also deals with the openness and global governance of virtual worlds and Web 4.0. The central pillars of the strategy are explained in more detail below:

1. Strengthening people's maturity and skills

The EU Commission attaches great importance to raising people's awareness of the issue of virtual worlds and making it easier for them to access trustworthy information. By the end of 2023, the guiding principles for virtual worlds proposed by a citizens' forum will be advanced, and by the first quarter of 2024, guidelines for the general public in the form of a "Citizen's Toolkit" will be developed. At the same time, the Commission will work to create a talent pool of virtual world specialists by supporting skills development through projects under the Digital Europe Program and the Creative Europe Program.

2. Supporting a European industrial ecosystem for Web 4.0

The Commission recognizes the need to create a European industrial ecosystem that brings together the various actors in the virtual world and Web 4.0 value chain. To this end, a possible virtual worlds partnership under Horizon Europe is proposed to promote research excellence and develop an industrial and technological roadmap for virtual worlds. The Commission will also support creative people and media companies in testing new creative tools and developing “real-world labs for Web 4.0 and virtual worlds” with Member States to promote innovation.

3. Promoting social progress and virtual public services

The EU Commission is already investing in important initiatives such as Destination Earth, which are intended to create the basis for smart communities. Through local digital twins for cities and a European virtual twin of the ocean, researchers, industry and authorities should benefit from the opportunities that virtual worlds offer. In addition, the Commission is launching two new public flagship initiatives: CitiVerse, an immersive urban environment for urban planning and management, and a European virtual human twin to support clinical decision-making and personalized treatment.

4. Designing global standards for open and interoperable virtual worlds and Web 4.0

The EU Commission is committed to ensuring that virtual worlds and Web 4.0 are not dominated by a few large players. Therefore, it will work closely with internet governance stakeholders worldwide to promote standards that are consistent with the EU's goals and values. The openness and interoperability of these technologies are crucial to enable diverse and innovative development.

➡️ With this strategy, the EU Commission wants to fully exploit the potential of Web 4.0 and virtual worlds while at the same time ensuring that human rights, data protection and European values ​​are preserved. By promoting skills, supporting businesses and developing virtual public services, the EU aims to lead the digital world. Collaboration with global partners is intended to help establish open and interoperable standards that form the basis for innovative and diverse development of virtual worlds and Web 4.0.

Metaverse, Citiverse and Co: Europe's strategy for virtual worlds in Web 4.0

Xpert technology includes metaverse, XR technology, consulting, planning and implementation - Image: Xpert.Digital

The term Web 4.0 stands for the next evolutionary stage of the Internet, in which virtual worlds play a central role. Virtual worlds enable the fusion of physical and digital reality and offer a wide range of possible applications for different areas of life. The concept of multiverse is an essential part of Web 4.0, as it describes a multitude of interconnected virtual worlds and realities that can exist and interact at the same time.

A crucial component in the implementation of Web 4.0 and virtual worlds is the Xpert technology, which enables sound advice, planning and implementation. Xpert technology encompasses a wide range of expertise brought by experts in various fields to solve complex challenges in the virtual world.

The EU Commission's Web 4.0 strategy aims to promote the development and application of virtual worlds such as the Metaverse or Citiverse Standards (Cityverse Marketing) while at the same time protecting the interests of citizens and European values ​​and principles.

1. Multiverse – The merging of realities

The Multiverse is at the heart of Web 4.0 and enables the simultaneous existence and interaction of different virtual worlds. In this multi-layered network, people, companies and organizations can interact with each other, exchange ideas and work together on projects, regardless of physical boundaries. The integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) opens up a wide range of possibilities, from virtual meetings and conferences to creative workplaces and virtual shopping experiences.

2. Xpert Technology – Expert advice and implementation

The complex nature of virtual worlds requires expertise from various areas to ensure successful implementation. Xpert technology brings together the knowledge of experts in areas such as virtual reality, user experience (UX), data analysis, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Through this interdisciplinary collaboration, virtual worlds can be designed in such a way that they meet the needs of users and at the same time function safely and efficiently.

3. Metaverse – An immersive experience for everyone

The Metaverse is an important part of Web 4.0 and promises an immersive experience for all users. It is a shared virtual environment that can be used by billions of people at the same time. In the Metaverse, users can interact, play games, use social networks, shop and much more. It offers a fascinating opportunity to immerse yourself in a digital world and experience new forms of social interaction and collaboration.

4. Citiverse Standards (Cityverse Marketing) – Virtual worlds for cities and companies

Citiverse Standards (Cityverse Marketing) is a concept that focuses the application of virtual worlds specifically on cities and companies. Through virtual city maps and urban development, cities can optimize their planning processes and offer citizens an interactive and informative city experience. Companies can use Citiverse to develop innovative marketing strategies, showcase their products and services, and interact directly with their customers.

5. Web 4.0 Strategy of the EU Commission – promoting virtual development

The EU Commission has recognized that Web 4.0 and virtual worlds offer enormous potential for growth, innovation and social progress. With its strategy, the EU aims to promote the development of virtual worlds while ensuring that the interests and rights of citizens are safeguarded. Collaboration with experts, companies and society plays a central role in shaping an inclusive and sustainable digital future.

➡️ The combination of Web 4.0, virtual worlds in the multiverse and Xpert technology promises an exciting and transformative future. With the EU Commission's Web 4.0 strategy and the concept for virtual worlds such as Metaverse or Citiverse Standards (Cityverse Marketing), Europe will take a pioneering role in the digital world and use the advantages of these innovative technologies to create an open, inclusive and networked society create.

Xpert Technology is a synergy that combines the elements of the Metaverse, XR technology, expert advice, comprehensive planning and smooth implementation. This powerful combination aims to fully exploit the potential of virtual worlds and create innovative solutions for a wide range of application areas.

1. Metaverse – The future of virtual reality

The Metaverse is a comprehensive digital ecosystem that connects a variety of virtual worlds, applications and user experiences. It offers a seamless and immersive experience in which users can interact, work, play and learn. With the help of the Metaverse, people from all over the world can communicate with each other, regardless of geographical distance. It opens up unique opportunities for social interactions, virtual business meetings, digital trade fairs and much more.

2. XR technology – The fusion of reality and virtuality

XR technology stands for extended reality and includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR). These technologies expand physical reality to include digital content, opening up new dimensions of perception and interaction. XR technology makes it possible to integrate virtual elements into the real world, opening up a wide range of possible applications, from product demonstrations to training simulations and medical applications.

3. Expert advice – individual solutions for every project

Expert advice is an essential part of the Xpert technology. Specialists with expertise in VR, AR, MR, data analysis, user experience and other relevant areas work closely with clients to understand their individual requirements and goals. Based on this analysis, tailored solutions are developed to meet the specific needs of each project.

4. Comprehensive planning – From idea to reality

Effective planning is crucial for the success of virtual worlds and XR projects. Xpert Technology includes a comprehensive planning phase that defines the technical requirements, design concept, usability and objectives of the project. Potential challenges are also identified and solutions are developed to ensure smooth implementation.

5. Smooth implementation – the vision becomes reality

The Xpert technology ensures professional and smooth implementation of the planned virtual worlds and XR projects. From programming the software to integrating XR hardware to quality testing and training, every step is carefully carried out to achieve the best possible result. The close cooperation between the experts and the clients guarantees that the end product meets high quality standards and that the set goals are achieved.

➡️ With Xpert technology, virtual worlds and XR applications become a powerful tool for various areas such as education, entertainment, medicine, marketing and much more. The use of Metaverse and XR technology combined with expert advice, comprehensive planning and smooth implementation promises an exciting future in which the boundaries between reality and virtuality continue to blur and completely new possibilities for interaction and collaboration emerge.

From research to implementation: The EU Commission's vision for virtual worlds

The EU Commission's Web 4.0 strategy and the concept for virtual worlds such as Metaverse or Citiverse Standards are the result of extensive work and consultations with various interest groups. The European Commission has worked intensively with citizens, universities and companies to shape the future of virtual worlds in the EU in a fair and humane way.

An important milestone in this process was the European Citizens' Forum on Virtual Worlds, which took place between February and April 2023. For this purpose, 150 randomly selected citizens were invited to develop recommendations on goals, principles and measures for virtual worlds in the EU. These 23 recommendations served as guidelines for concrete measures that were integrated into the strategy for Web 4.0 and virtual worlds. Involving the population in this process was an important step in ensuring that the strategy meets people's needs and concerns.

Another significant step towards the strategy was the launch of the Virtual and Augmented Reality Industry Coalition on September 14, 2022. This coalition's mission is to bring industry and policymakers together to advance the development of virtual worlds and work together on a to work with future-oriented technology.

In this context, the Joint Research Center has published a new report highlighting the opportunities that next-generation virtual worlds could offer in various areas. Education, manufacturing, health and public services are just some of the areas that could benefit from advances in virtual worlds. The technology enables immersive and interactive experiences that open up new avenues in teaching, industry and healthcare. From virtual training environments to virtual production lines to virtual health diagnoses, numerous application possibilities open up.

The EU Commission has recognized that virtual worlds offer the potential for positive changes in society. With the Web 4.0 strategy and the concept for virtual worlds such as Metaverse or Citiverse Standards, the EU wants to advance the development of these technologies and ensure that they correspond to European values ​​and principles. The involvement of citizens and industry in the design process is crucial in order to develop an inclusive and future-oriented strategy. The coming years will show how this strategy unfolds and what innovative applications and opportunities virtual worlds will offer in the EU.