As Virtual Worlds technologies evolve from concept to reality, Europe is laying the foundation for a future that is open, ethical, and strategically coordinated. At the forefront of this transformation is OPENVERSE, a Horizon Europe-funded initiative working to consolidate and connect the diverse ecosystem of European stakeholders developing immersive technologies.
A Distributed Network of European Expertise
OPENVERSE is building a robust and inclusive network of initiatives, research centres, associations, public bodies, and EU-funded projects. The network includes contributors from across Europe working on Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital twins, connectivity, identity frameworks, data spaces, and more.
To ensure coordination and long-term sustainability, OPENVERSE developed a comprehensive map of engaged stakeholders and technologies (see below). This map visualises the intricate connections across the Virtual Worlds ecosystem and is structured around key “building blocks” of Virtual Worlds.
The stakeholder map helps identify technological concentrations, gaps in expertise, and areas of emerging leadership in Europe. It supports policymakers, innovators, and civil society in aligning efforts and identifying opportunities for collaboration.
Co-Creating the OPENVERSE Technology Framework
A central output of the initiative is the OPENVERSE Technology Framework—a structured vision of how Europe can develop interoperable, secure, and inclusive Virtual Worlds infrastructure. This framework integrates insights from a wide range of European initiatives and is designed to remain adaptable to sectoral needs, including education, health, culture, and manufacturing.
Recent workshops have contributed valuable insights, including:
- The need for cross-sector alignment on interoperability and data standards
- Gaps in connectivity infrastructure, cloud capacity, and digital identity solutions
- Strong leadership in areas like AI, privacy-preserving systems, and open-source components
- Calls for ethical governance and contextual technology deployment across industries
From Coordination to Impact
Over its first 18 months, OPENVERSE has successfully mapped and engaged more than 65 EU-based initiatives and over 50 XR projects. Its workshop series, surveys, and interviews continue to surface real-world needs, strategic gaps, and sector-specific challenges. This community-driven intelligence feeds directly into the evolving Technology Framework and other core assets such as the OPENVERSE Observatory.
OPENVERSE’s approach ensures that Virtual Worlds in Europe are not just technologically advanced—but inclusive, resilient, and strategically aligned with EU values.
Learn More & Get Involved
Are you leading or contributing to a European initiative focused on immersive technologies? OPENVERSE is actively seeking partners to shape the future of Virtual Worlds. Join the network, contribute your perspective, and help ensure that Europe leads with purpose and unity in the virtual era.
📄 Learn more about the project and its scope on CORDIS
🌐 Visit the OPENVERSE Project Observatory
📬 For collaboration opportunities, contact [email protected]