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The Future of European Technology: Focus on Technological Sovereignty in XR

As Europe moves towards a new frontier in immersive technology, the spotlight is on who will truly shape its future. At the forefront of this discussion is Henna Virkkunen, European Commission's Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, who is set to address these pivotal issues at the upcoming UnitedXR Europe event. Scheduled for December 7-9, 2026, at Maison de la Poste in Brussels, this event promises to be a significant gathering for tech leaders, researchers, and policymakers.

Virkkunen's speech on December 8 will emphasize the concept of technological sovereignty, a term that can often seem abstract but holds profound implications for the European tech industry. As technology continues to rapidly evolve, the question remains: Can European organizations effectively build competitive products and retain authority over technology's trajectory? As Alexandra Gérard, co-producer of the event, highlights, this is central to ensuring that the European XR community is engaged in discussions that will define their industry's future.

A Gathering of Global Perspectives

UnitedXR Europe is not just a regional event; it is a convergence of thoughts from around the globe. Delegates from various countries, including Hong Kong, Ireland, the Netherlands, and numerous Nordic nations, will join discussions, bringing a wealth of experience in how immersive technologies are crafted, regulated, and applied. The event aims to facilitate a constructive conversation about developing XR technologies that are not only innovative but also ethically sound and user-friendly.

XR (extended reality) technologies such as virtual and augmented reality have raised important questions regarding data security and privacy. Participants will explore issues surrounding information captured by XR devices, such as who controls this data and the measures that must be in place to protect it. Addressing these concerns will be crucial for fostering user trust, encouraging the adoption of these technologies, and ultimately ensuring sustained investment from businesses.

Key Agenda Items

UnitedXR Europe features a diverse array of program highlights, aimed at addressing some of the most pressing issues surrounding XR and AI technologies. Among the sessions planned:

• - Divergent Realities: Ethics, Rights, and Social Impacts of XR - This panel will delve deep into ethical dilemmas faced by developers in the XR space, featuring insights from industry experts and academics.
• - Collaborative AI Production and the EU AI Act - A session led by Tim Deussen exploring how creative control can be maintained amidst regulatory changes impacting AI technologies.
• - Building XR for Business - Matthew Connors from the Volvo Group will discuss real-world applications of XR within enterprises, highlighting both opportunities and challenges.

Prominent figures in technology and academia will also join the dialogues, including representatives from Google, Snap, and various European research institutions, ensuring a comprehensive examination of the immersive technology landscape.

The European XR Awards: Recognizing Innovation

In conjunction with the discussions, the European XR Awards will also take center stage, celebrating achievements in the XR community. The awards, spanning nine categories, recognize creativity and innovation in diverse projects, from impactful climate documentaries to imaginative VR experiences. An example includes a mixed-reality experience narrated by Mark Ruffalo, which sheds light on critical environmental issues like rising sea levels.

The award ceremony will take place on December 8, during which the accomplishments of various nominees will be honored, reinforcing the importance of creativity and excellence within the immersive technology realm.

Booking and Participation Details

As the event approaches, early-bird tickets are still available, with a deadline set for October 21. Attendees can purchase three-day passes or two-day passes, which entitle them to access all discussions, exhibitions, and the awards ceremony. This is a unique opportunity to engage with leading voices in the XR space and gain insights that could shape the future of technology in Europe.

In summary, UnitedXR Europe stands as a pivotal event for advancing discussions around technological sovereignty in immersive experiences. With notable speakers and an engaged international audience, the conference is poised to influence the direction of XR technologies globally, ensuring that Europe not only plays catch-up in the tech race but also leads in establishing standards that prioritize trust and ethical consideration in technology development.

For additional details about the conference, ticketing, and the entire program, visit the official UnitedXR Europe website.