Explore how LSE Consulting, affiliated with the London School of Economics, advocates for a pan-European industrial cluster to position the EU at the forefront of the Web 4.0 revolution. Drawing parallels with the success of Airbus in aerospace, the report outlines key recommendations to foster innovation, develop skills, and garner government support in the metaverse sector.

LSE Consulting, affiliated with the esteemed London School of Economics, has put forward a compelling vision for European leadership in the burgeoning Web 4.0 domain, particularly the metaverse. In their recent report, the consultancy emphasizes the need for a pan-European industrial cluster akin to Airbus, the aerospace giant, to propel the EU into global metaverse supremacy.


The Airbus model, known for its cross-border collaboration and steadfast focus on maintaining Europe's dominance in aerospace, serves as an inspiration for establishing a similar entity dedicated to metaverse innovation. This immersive industrial cluster, as proposed by LSE Consulting, would cultivate specialized internet engineering expertise across Europe, bolstering the continent's competitiveness in Web 4.0.


To realize this vision, the report outlines three pivotal recommendations. Firstly, the formation of an international conglomerate, mirroring the success of Airbus, is deemed essential for fostering European metaverse innovation on a global scale. Secondly, prioritizing skills supply training is highlighted to ensure that the European workforce is equipped with the requisite expertise to drive metaverse innovation forward. Lastly, the report calls for government support in crafting innovative cross-border solutions and standards to address emerging challenges in the metaverse landscape.


Case studies from prominent European firms, including BMW, Ikea, and Ericsson, underscore the continent's existing capabilities in exploring metaverse technologies. Michael Barngrover, Managing Director at XR4Europe, lauds the report's recommendations as valuable contributions to shaping Europe's metaverse trajectory, emphasizing the necessity of considering multiple viable paths forward.


In summary, LSE Consulting's insights offer a strategic roadmap for the EU to carve out a leading role in the metaverse, harnessing its technological prowess and fostering collaborative innovation across borders.


(TRISTAN GREENE, COINTELEGRAPH, 2024)