Brussels,
THE NEW FRONTIERS
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of interconnected physical devices, vehicles, appliances, and other objects embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity capabilities. These devices can collect and exchange data, enabling them to interact with each other and perform various tasks without human intervention. The IoT has the potential to revolutionize numerous aspects of our daily lives, from home automation and healthcare to transportation and industry. The rollout of over 41 billion IoT devices is expected by 2025 (International Data Corporation), leading to an exponential growth of data and pushing computing operations and data analytics to the edge of the network.
In the IoT ecosystem, devices gather data from their surroundings through sensors, process it, and transmit it to other devices or cloud-based platforms for analysis and action. This data-driven approach allows for real-time monitoring, automation, and intelligent decision-making. For example, in a smart home, IoT devices can control lighting, temperature, and security systems based on user preferences and environmental conditions.
The IoT has transformative implications across sectors. In healthcare, wearable devices can monitor vital signs and transmit data to healthcare providers, enabling remote patient monitoring and more personalized care. In transportation, IoT sensors can optimize traffic flow, manage parking spaces, and enhance vehicle safety through connected car technologies.
However, the rapid proliferation of IoT devices also raises concerns regarding privacy, security, and data governance. Protecting sensitive information and ensuring the secure operation of IoT systems are critical challenges that require robust cybersecurity measures and standards.
As the IoT continues to evolve, its potential is vast. It holds promise for creating smarter and more sustainable cities, improving resource efficiency, enhancing productivity in industries, and enabling innovative services and applications.
EU and other stakeholders are actively working to address the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the IoT, shaping policies, standards, and frameworks to foster its responsible and beneficial integration into our interconnected world.
In the IoT ecosystem, devices gather data from their surroundings through sensors, process it, and transmit it to other devices or cloud-based platforms for analysis and action. This data-driven approach allows for real-time monitoring, automation, and intelligent decision-making. For example, in a smart home, IoT devices can control lighting, temperature, and security systems based on user preferences and environmental conditions.
The IoT has transformative implications across sectors. In healthcare, wearable devices can monitor vital signs and transmit data to healthcare providers, enabling remote patient monitoring and more personalized care. In transportation, IoT sensors can optimize traffic flow, manage parking spaces, and enhance vehicle safety through connected car technologies.
However, the rapid proliferation of IoT devices also raises concerns regarding privacy, security, and data governance. Protecting sensitive information and ensuring the secure operation of IoT systems are critical challenges that require robust cybersecurity measures and standards.
As the IoT continues to evolve, its potential is vast. It holds promise for creating smarter and more sustainable cities, improving resource efficiency, enhancing productivity in industries, and enabling innovative services and applications.
EU and other stakeholders are actively working to address the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the IoT, shaping policies, standards, and frameworks to foster its responsible and beneficial integration into our interconnected world.
The EU Strategy
The European Union has been actively working on shaping a next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) strategy.
In September 2020, the Next Generation Internet of Things (NGIoT) project organized a workshop focusing on Cloud-to-Edge-to-IoT, addressing technology challenges and competitive impacts in the context of the data economy.
In March 2021, the Commission's Fireside Chat workshop brought together experts from various sectors to design a European strategy for future IoT and edge computing. The aim was to establish trusted platforms and orchestration mechanisms to support digitization. Participants agreed on the importance of these platforms and welcomed the Commission's R&D support under Horizon Europe.
Following the Fireside Chat, the NGIoT & Edge Computing Strategy Forum took place in April 2021. Technology experts from digital and vertical domains gathered to discuss priorities, challenges, and opportunities in the next-generation IoT and edge computing in Europe. The forum resulted in a shared strategic vision for the future of IoT and edge computing, covering topics such as system ecosystems, integration platforms, trustworthiness, and visionary concepts.
These initiatives demonstrate the EU's commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the IoT field. By bringing together stakeholders and experts, the EU aims to drive the development of trusted and efficient IoT and edge computing technologies that can benefit various sectors and contribute to the overall digital transformation in Europe.
In September 2020, the Next Generation Internet of Things (NGIoT) project organized a workshop focusing on Cloud-to-Edge-to-IoT, addressing technology challenges and competitive impacts in the context of the data economy.
In March 2021, the Commission's Fireside Chat workshop brought together experts from various sectors to design a European strategy for future IoT and edge computing. The aim was to establish trusted platforms and orchestration mechanisms to support digitization. Participants agreed on the importance of these platforms and welcomed the Commission's R&D support under Horizon Europe.
Following the Fireside Chat, the NGIoT & Edge Computing Strategy Forum took place in April 2021. Technology experts from digital and vertical domains gathered to discuss priorities, challenges, and opportunities in the next-generation IoT and edge computing in Europe. The forum resulted in a shared strategic vision for the future of IoT and edge computing, covering topics such as system ecosystems, integration platforms, trustworthiness, and visionary concepts.
These initiatives demonstrate the EU's commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the IoT field. By bringing together stakeholders and experts, the EU aims to drive the development of trusted and efficient IoT and edge computing technologies that can benefit various sectors and contribute to the overall digital transformation in Europe.
EU Funding Programmes
The European Union has allocated significant funding to support research, innovation, and digital transformation through its Horizon Europe and Digital Europe programs.
A. Under Horizon Europe, over €150 million will be invested in research and innovation projects focusing on data and computing technologies, including the development of next-generation components, systems, and platforms for edge computing and IoT. This funding aims to enable the transition to an energy-efficient and trustworthy computing continuum at the edge.
B. The Digital Europe program focuses on bringing data and cloud services to EU businesses, citizens, and public administrations. It aims to establish common European data spaces in vertical sectors such as agriculture, mobility, and energy, along with a trustworthy and energy-efficient cloud infrastructure. The program also supports the development of AI testing facilities, digital innovation hubs, and the digitization of SMEs.
The EU's initiatives build on the successes of the Horizon 2020 program, which emphasized ecosystem building, platform interoperability, technology integration, and standardization. Funding was allocated to projects in sectors such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, mobility, healthcare, and smart communities.
These funding programs demonstrate the EU's commitment to advancing IoT, edge computing, and digital technologies across various sectors. The investments aim to drive innovation, enhance competitiveness, and address societal challenges while fostering collaboration and creating a sustainable and inclusive digital economy in Europe.
A. Under Horizon Europe, over €150 million will be invested in research and innovation projects focusing on data and computing technologies, including the development of next-generation components, systems, and platforms for edge computing and IoT. This funding aims to enable the transition to an energy-efficient and trustworthy computing continuum at the edge.
- Within Cluster 4 Destination 3 of Horizon Europe, projects have been selected to develop meta-operating systems for key industrial and societal applications such as buildings, automotive, agriculture, and energy. These projects, receiving €64 million in EU funding, aim to build a European IoT and edge ecosystem and will publish open calls on the eucloudedgeiot.eu web portal to encourage participation from midcaps, SMEs, and start-ups.
B. The Digital Europe program focuses on bringing data and cloud services to EU businesses, citizens, and public administrations. It aims to establish common European data spaces in vertical sectors such as agriculture, mobility, and energy, along with a trustworthy and energy-efficient cloud infrastructure. The program also supports the development of AI testing facilities, digital innovation hubs, and the digitization of SMEs.
The EU's initiatives build on the successes of the Horizon 2020 program, which emphasized ecosystem building, platform interoperability, technology integration, and standardization. Funding was allocated to projects in sectors such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, mobility, healthcare, and smart communities.
These funding programs demonstrate the EU's commitment to advancing IoT, edge computing, and digital technologies across various sectors. The investments aim to drive innovation, enhance competitiveness, and address societal challenges while fostering collaboration and creating a sustainable and inclusive digital economy in Europe.
