EU initiative on the next technological transition towards Web 4.0
On 11 July 2023, the European Commission published a communication on the EU strategy for Web 4.0 and virtual worlds. The Ministry of Transport and Communications informed Parliament about the communication by means of an e-letter on 12 September 2023.
For the first time ever, the strategy establishes a long-term perspective for the EU on what measures will be needed for the next technological transition. This will ensure an open, secure, reliable, fair and inclusive digital environment for people, businesses and society. The first measures will be initiated at the end of 2023.
The strategy describes how in the next Web 4.0, digital and real objects and environments will be fully integrated. They communicate with each other with the help of advanced artificial intelligence and ambient intelligence, the Internet of Things, reliable blockchain transactions, virtual worlds and extended reality.
Virtual worlds are an important part of the transition to Web 4.0. The strategy contained in the Commission communication defines virtual worlds as permanent and immersive environments based on technologies such as 3D technology and extended reality, enabling real-time integration of the physical and digital world for different purposes.
Finland aims for growth from the data economy and digitalisation
Finland has worked long-term on its information policy, which has influenced the development of the European data economy and the technologies used in it. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's Government Programme aims for growth and competitiveness from the data economy and digitalisation.
The letter sent to Parliament sets out Finland's positions on the EU initiative. Finland considers it important that the strategy for Web 4.0 and virtual worlds is in line with previously published EU policies. These include the Digital Decade Policy Agenda, the Declaration on European Digital Rights and Principles and the European Data Strategy.
Finland believes that digitalisation, fast data connections and the advancement of technology, when correctly utilised, can significantly improve people's quality of life, the competitiveness of companies and the availability of labour, and make public administration more efficient.
Finland aims to fully seize the potential offered by new technologies and digitalisation. Finland considers it important that the EU regulation on the data economy, artificial intelligence and digitalisation moves in an enabling, balanced direction and one that is beneficial for Finland, and that the need for additional national regulation is minimised.
Finland pays particular attention to people-centredness and safety. Investments should be made in the development of industrial Web 4.0 and virtual worlds. Standardisation should be as interoperable and technology-neutral as possible.
What next?
Finland actively participates in the implementation of the measures proposed in the strategy, both at the national and EU level.
Inquiries:
Tomi Paavola, Senior Officer, [email protected], tel. +358 295 342564
Anna Wennäkoski, Senior Specialist, [email protected], tel. +358 295 342046
