The advent of virtual worlds, powered by increasing investment, marketing and research into virtual and augmented reality, is described by some as the next big internet revolution. As the European Commission prepares a non-legislative initiative on the virtual worlds, expected in May this year, the EIF is hosting its first-ever panel discussion on the topic, chaired by Member of the European Parliament Ondrej Kovarik. In this event, we will hear directly from distinguished experts about the fundamental questions posed by the advent of virtual worlds, and what are the opportunities for European SMEs and consumers.

The event will provide an outlook of what virtual worlds are and the various applications they encompass, from entertainment and industrial use cases to virtual health and education. It will also address the challenges that virtual worlds may bring about.

• Programme

  11:00

  Networking coffee

  11:30

  Opening remarks

  Ondrej Kovarik MEP, EIF Member

  Speakers

  Rehana Schwinninger-Ladak, Head of Unit ‘Interactive Technologies, Digital for Culture and Education’, DG CONNECT, European Commission

  Isabel De Peuter-Rutten, Co-founder, President & Treasurer, Euromersive

  Joan O’Hara, Senior Vice President of Public Policy, XR Association

  Roman Velker, Marketing Expert, TruPhysics

  Exchange of views with the participants under the Chatham House rule