Report analyses benefits and risks of virtual world technologies for the public sector

The Innovation Friendly Regulations Advisory Group (IFRAG) was appointed by the European Commission to provide upstream advice and improve the general understanding of the relation between innovation policy and regulatory policy, thus contributing to the overall resilience of the EU’s regulatory framework.

The IFRAG was asked to focus on emerging digital technologies in the public sector. The group of 13 experts examined the use of virtual world technologies in the public sector. Their deliberations spanned across multiple areas of expertise, encompassing legal, social sciences, investment, and technological angles.

The IFRAG report includes an outline of the potential socio-economic benefits of virtual worlds for the public sector, citizens and businesses. Drawing on three different scenarios for the possible development of virtual worlds in the next 10 to 15 years, the report uncovers some social, economic, technical and regulatory challenges related to the deployment of virtual worlds.

The report can be downloaded here:

Emerging digital technologies in the public sector The case of virtual worlds