OPENVERSE introduces national initiatives driving immersive tech across the EU.
As immersive technologies like Virtual Worlds (VW) and Extended Reality (XR) evolve, their role in shaping Europe’s digital and industrial future is becoming undeniable. Yet, until now, a comprehensive understanding of the national-level efforts advancing these technologies has been missing. OPENVERSE is therefore trying to fill that gap.
The newly published Deliverable D5.1, “Report on link to national programmes and initiatives”, presents the first large-scale mapping of organisations, programmes and initiatives across the European Union that are driving adoption and innovation in Virtual Worlds. This effort is more than a catalog—it is the foundation of a strategic coordination framework that aligns national ambitions with the EU’s broader digital and technological sovereignty objectives.
A complex yet promising ecosystem
Through a structured approach combining desk research, outreach, and interviews, the OPENVERSE consortium identified 65 relevant initiatives in 17 EU Member States. These include public agencies, XR associations, research centres, digital innovation hubs and community-driven projects.
But mapping wasn’t enough. The deliverable also classified each initiative by type (e.g., trade association, national contact point, research institute), stakeholder category (top-down vs. bottom-up) and geographical coverage. This approach reveals which countries are leading, where the gaps are, and which ecosystems are emerging.
“This report does not merely inform; it activates. It is a call to identify synergies, connect siloed efforts and advance Europe’s leadership in the development of inclusive, ethical and interoperable Virtual Worlds.”
— Gabriel G. Castañe – BDVA.
From national insight to European Strategy
The report highlights the fragmentation which currently characterises the European landscape and proposes a strategy to integrate national efforts into a common European framework. By understanding who is doing what, where, and how, the OPENVERSE initiative is paving the way for targeted collaboration, informed policy development, and stronger support for the European Partnership on Virtual Worlds.
It also sets the stage for more inclusive co-creation: stakeholders identified through this mapping will be invited to join workshops, contribute to the OPENVERSE Technology Framework (OTF), and help co-develop key assets such as the Virtual Worlds Observatory.
Visual snapshot: Europe’s engagement with Virtual Worlds
The images below provides a quick overview of the scale of engagement across Europe, while drawing attention to priority regions for future action.
What’s next?
This mapping is not a one-off activity. The OPENVERSE project will continue to expand and deepen this network in future work reflecting new partnerships, growing engagement and ensuring sustainability of the ecosystem. An open call for participation and a living inventory of national initiatives will make sure that no relevant effort is left behind.
Learn More & Get Involved
📄 Learn more about the project and its scope on CORDIS
🌐 Visit the OPENVERSE Project Observatory
📬 For collaboration opportunities, contact [email protected]