Create a thriving and competitive Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0 ecosystem (CSA) (Virtual Worlds Partnership)

From the Commission's own budget table for this call. Confirm against the topic page before you plan around it: these move when a work programme is amended.

Expected Outcome: The co-programmed European Partnership for Virtual Worlds will help to develop and promote a thriving industrial and end-user ecosystem in the EU, covering all the aspects of the virtual worlds value chain. It will also actively engage with industrial and societal sectors to provide access to a broad range of resources, including funding, expertise and technology. Project results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes: The delivery of a revised and updated Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) for Virtual Worlds in Europe, for useful, open, interoperable, inclusive, sustainable and trustworthy virtual worlds systems and applications, ensuring these reflect EU values and principles. Strengthening of the European Virtual Worlds Partnership by providing continuous support. Reinforcement of the competitive ecosystem, with European companies playing a leading role in the adoption and acceptance, and in the development and deployment of Virtual Worlds technologies. Reinforced links among initiatives in virtual worlds in Horizon Europe, Digital Europe Programme, and other programmes at EU, national and regional levels. Widespread awareness and outreach programmes. Increased adoption of virtual worlds that are open, accessible and inclusive, interdisciplinary, safe and respect ethical values and European legal framework, including regarding privacy, security in all Member States and Associated Countries. Strengthening and promotion of standardisation methods for virtual worlds technologies and in support of the EU regulatory framework. Scope: The objective of the CSA is to further develop and reinforce the community by strengthening and supporting the Virtual Worlds Partnership and its Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for Virtual Worlds (SRIA). The CSA will also lay the grounds for a strong and inclusive network bringing together academia, industry, public actors and end-users, including major industrial European sectors and all relevant stakeholders. The CSA will ensure close coordination at regional, national and European level. The CSA will also strongly continue to promote the adoption of Virtual Worlds technologies and solutions in all Member States and Associated Countries, with particular emphasis on geographical aspect and across the value chain. To this end, the CSA will develop and implement outreach programmes aiming at better understanding and raising awareness to create acceptance and trustworthiness of Virtual Worlds solutions. The CSA will also support standardisation efforts to support th…