EUCloudEdgeIoT

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EU Cloud-Edge-IoT Continuum R&I Roadmap (2024)

The EU Cloud-Edge-IoT Continuum R&I Roadmap (2024) defines a unified trajectory for Europe’s computing continuum — merging cloud, edge, IoT, and AI into a secure, sustainable, and sovereign digital infrastructure. It addresses fragmentation by fostering open standards, data spaces, and trust frameworks aligned with European values.

For OPENVERSE, this roadmap is the foundational layer of the ecosystem — the engine for data, compute, and network interoperability that underpins immersive, AI-driven virtual worlds. Collaboration through NexusForum Working Groups would allow OPENVERSE to influence next-generation interoperability standards, sustainability metrics, and federated AI governance across Europe’s digital continuum.

Basic Identification

Initiative / Partnership Name: European Cloud, Edge & IoT Continuum (NexusForum.EU)

Full SRIDA Title & Version: Cognitive Computing Continuum Research & Innovation Roadmap for Europe – 2nd Public Version

Publication / Last Update Date: October 2024 (mid-term roadmap update; final due 2026)

Governing Body / Association: NexusForum.EU consortium supported by Horizon Europe; coordinated with the European Alliance for Industrial Data, Edge and Cloud.

Type: Coordination and Support Action (CSA) / multi-stakeholder roadmap.

Website / Source: eucloudedgeiot.eu – roadmap document.

Strategic Orientation

Vision Statement: “Achieve a federated, secure, AI-driven European computing continuum bridging cloud, edge, IoT, and AI to deliver digital sovereignty and competitiveness.”

Mission:

1. Federate Europe’s cloud-edge ecosystem through interoperability and open standards.
2. Enable trustworthy, energy-efficient infrastructures for AI deployment.
3. Strengthen Europe’s sovereignty and reduce dependency on non-EU hyperscalers.

Strategic Drivers:

• Competitiveness Compass, Connected Collaborative Networks White Paper.
• EU Digital Strategy, NIS2, Cyber Resilience Act, Chips Act, and upcoming EU Cloud Certification Scheme (EUCS).

Expected Outcomes / KPIs:

• Establish a European cognitive computing continuum by 2030.
• Interoperable multi-provider infrastructures with sovereign control.
• Integration of AI, edge, and cloud with sustainability and trust metrics.

Policy Alignment:

• Digital Europe Programme;
• Data Strategy;
• AI Act;
• Green Deal;
• Chips Act;
• Cyber Resilience Act.

Technological & Thematic Priorities

Priority Area	Main Goals / Activities
1. Secure, Interoperable, Sovereign Continuum	Harmonise EU markets; strengthen open-source governance (RISC-V); ensure compliance with NIS2, CRA, EUCS
2. Intelligent, Autonomous, Resilient Management	AI-driven orchestration across federated infrastructures; privacy-preserving federated computing; confidential computing
3. Data-Driven AI & Innovation Enablement	Expand common European Data Spaces; portable AI apps; federated AI model training; middleware & compiler research
4. Sustainable, Energy-Efficient Computing	Carbon-aware orchestration; AI-based energy optimisation; co-designed hardware/software for efficiency; renewable integration
5. Telco–Cloud–AI Convergence	Open RAN, next-gen telco-cloud; predictive handover; IT/OT integration; digital twins & smart environments for Industry 4.0

• Cross-Cutting Topics: Open standards, interoperability, ethics, sustainability, international cooperation (Japan, Korea).
• Synergies: Alliance for Industrial Data, Edge & Cloud; IPCEI-CIS; EuroHPC; Data Spaces Support Centre; SNS JU; ADRA.

Governance & Ecosystem

Leadership: NexusForum.EU consortium (representing cloud/edge/AI stakeholders) under Horizon Europe.

Ecosystem: Providers (cloud, telco, AI, edge), industrial users, research, and public authorities.

Engagement Mechanisms:

• Working Groups and Public Consultations (2024–26) for roadmap updates.
• Liaison with European Alliance for Industrial Data, Edge & Cloud.
• Open participation via NexusForum portal.

Update Frequency: Biennial; final version due mid-2026.

International Dimension: Planned cooperation with Japan and Korea for cross-federation alignment.

Building-Block Crosswalk (Staff Working Document Alignment)

Technical Building Block	Continuum Roadmap Focus
Cloud–Edge–IoT Continuum	Core concept: multi-provider federated architecture
AI & ML	AI-driven orchestration, federated learning, generative AI support
Data Spaces & Interoperability	Expansion of Common European Data Spaces
Digital Twins & Cyber-Physical Systems	Industrial & urban twins, AR/VR use cases
Sustainability & Energy Efficiency	Carbon-aware computing & co-design
Cybersecurity & Trust	NIS2, CRA, EUCS compliance; confidential computing
Open-Source & Standards	Promotion of RISC-V and open governance
Telco–AI Convergence	O-RAN, predictive handover, 5G/6G integration

Alignment with OPENVERSE

Relevance to OPENVERSE Domains:

• Provides infrastructure backbone for compute, data, and AI continuity across sectors.
• Integrates trust, sovereignty, and sustainability principles central to OPENVERSE’s mission.
• Offers testbeds for XR, digital twins, and energy-aware virtual-world applications.

SRIDA Document Metadata

Keywords / Tags: Cloud computing, edge, IoT, AI, interoperability, data spaces, digital sovereignty, open source, RISC-V, energy efficiency, O-RAN, digital twin.

Referenced HE Clusters:

• Cluster 4 (Digital, Industry & Space);
• links to Cluster 5 (Climate, Mobility & Energy).

TRL Range: 3 – 8 (research to pilot deployment).

Investment Priorities: Open-source hardware/software; AI acceleration; secure federation middleware; energy-efficient infrastructure.

Policy References:

• Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030;
• Data Act;
• Artificial Intelligence Act;
• NIS2;
• Cyber Resilience Act;
• Chips Act;
• EUCS.