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)

Expected Outcome

Project results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes:

• An early demonstration of the future Web 4.0 architectural framework (including protocols and standards) made up of key Open Source internet building blocks in priority areas: identity, software supply chain, open hardware, decentralised solutions & virtual worlds.
• The emergence of open and interoperable Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds supported by EU based internet ecosystems centred on EU values and regulatory framework with high socio-economic impact, through the application of digital commons technologies and other Open Source solutions and open standards in several use cases.
• Supporting the transition from today’s internet towards Web 4.0 where end-users have access to a more personalised and interactive experience through more collaborative, decentralised and user-centred approaches. Special attention will have to be given to security, scalability, and accessibility issues.
• New business opportunities and the emergence of new business and sustainability models based on Open Source.

Scope

The aim of this topic is to advance the evolution of the internet towards open and interoperable Web 4.0 enabling Virtual Worlds, ensuring seamless user experience navigating across platforms by increasing the take up of digital commons technologies and other Open Source solutions in Europe. The action will thus leverage the strong and active community of European Open Source innovators that can contribute to relevant digital commons to deliver on key features of virtual worlds.

This topic will support early demonstrations for Web 4.0 and its architectural framework, through the use of key building blocks where there is sufficient level of maturity and critical mass of commons contributors (such as in the context of the Next Generation Internet initiative).

The envisaged Web 4.0 shall be powered by open and decentralised technologies enabling interoperability between platforms and networks and freedom of choice for the users. It should be developed through Open Source / digital commons and tackle security, scalability and sustainability at the core of the technological developments.

Applicants should define the mechanisms for contributing to and aligning with the strategic roadmap for research and innovation and the architectural Framework as it becomes available from the specific separate support action HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-HUMAN-17: Specific support for the Virtual Worlds Partnership and the Web 4.0 initiative (CSA).

Applicants should devise appropriate mechanisms for cooperating with the other projects under this action to ensure that they work in a coherent way towards the vision of an open, interoperable Web 4.0

At least one proposal in each of the area defined below will be selected. Proposals should clearly identify the area they are addressing.

Area 1: Identity management

Proposals will support and facilitate the deployment and adoption of the EU Digital Identity Wallet with the testing, community development and packaging of Open Source solutions for the issuance and verification of electronic attestations and the provision of eIDAS trust services. The aim is to deliver a diversity of Open Source digital solutions and services in accordance with the European digital rights and principles, empowering citizens with the freedom of choice from many secure digital identity solutions that are aligned with the EU regulations. Additionally, to foster and support enterprises to harness the benefits of the EUDI wallet and the eIDAS trust services. Examples may include the implementation of EUDI wallets for Open Source operating systems, like Linux (for enterprise servers), cloud-based wallets, laptop-based wallets, Open Source Operating System for mobile devices. Furthermore, technical solutions and services for secure and anonymous digital payments and money transfers between people, solutions for the implementation for attestation issuers and verifiers and the eIDAS trust services with a focus on the development of Open Source stacks for issuers and relying parties (for issuing and verifying electronic attestations), especially as/for cloud services. When relevant, proposals may address the validation of physical documents, either IDs or other types of identity-related documents, such as breeder documents.

Area 2: Software Supply Chain security

Trusted frameworks are essential to keep the software supply chain secure, as demonstrated by the recent attack on XZ Utils. The aim is to strengthen the security of the software supply chain by leveraging related NGI building blocks and package solutions for example for traceability of code, collaborative trust models among contributors and users, detection of anomalous behaviour, construction of software bill of material. Use cases include developers and users of codes, DevSecOps team, corporate IT, Open Source projects, industry and/or parties that need to be compliant with the Cyber Resilience Act.

Area 3: Open Hardware

Open Hardware is key for supporting trust and sovereignty as it allows users to inspect, modify, and implement freely the designs. The aim is to support the uptake of Open Hardware chips and tools through prototyping, productization and integration in real life cases. Proposals can address several re-usable tools and components such as controllers, processors, or network chips. Use cases include consumer devices for immersive virtual worlds, industry applications, consumer devices, smart cities.

Area 4: Alternative solutions to centralised platforms

As EU legislation places obligations on platforms, particularly focusing on gatekeepers, it is important to prioritize nurturing and enriching credible alternatives. Proposals in this area could cover integrating, testing and operation of Open Source decentralised solutions offering credible alternatives to users supporting the emergence of Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds experience. Examples include instant messaging, application stores, or productivity groupware that should showcase virtual worlds interoperability, trust, resilience, and scalability. The focus should be made on decentralised and federated solutions based on interoperability requirements and on open standards to ensure to not only meet regulatory demands but also foster a more open, diverse, resilient, and competitive digital ecosystem.

Area 5: Web 4.0 demonstration for Virtual Worlds

Web 4.0 technologies enabling interoperability and transferability across platforms are crucial to ensure various players to contribute to virtual worlds as opposed to a mono-provider environment. This area will make use of existing Open Source building blocks for ensuring trust, interoperation, interconnection, transaction (including tokens), and resource access in Virtual Worlds applications and services. Proposals will aim at integrating the various building blocks, with a special focus on interoperability and will demonstrate seamless interactions (for example when browsing and searching across multiple providers) in one or two selected scenarios.

For all areas, proposals should innovate beyond the state-of-the-art and could include development, integration, testing, deployment, uptake, and operations activities.

Proposals should encourage, when relevant, open access to data, standardisation activities, as well as an IPR regime and sustainability model ensuring lasting impact and reusability of results.

The Commission considers that proposals with an overall duration of typically 24 to 36 months would allow these outcomes to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other durations.

This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on Virtual Worlds.