The French government is turning to the public to shape a national strategy for the emerging metaverse industry. The Directorate General for Enterprise has launched a consultation process that asks citizens, businesses, researchers, and associations to weigh in on various aspects of virtual immersive universes. The inquiry aims to create an alternative to the virtual worlds currently offered by the “international giants,” by focusing on developing innovative solutions in France. The consultation is centered around understanding the level of demand for virtual spaces, identifying challenges, and determining priority areas for funding.
The consultation is also an opportunity for citizens to express their current experiences with mixed reality, blockchain, and software tools needed to create 3D content. Businesses, on the other hand, are being asked about their expectations for demand and potential obstacles that may hinder the progress of French companies in building metaverse solutions. Researchers are tasked with describing their visions for virtual immersive experiences and identifying priority areas for funding.
The metaverse has become increasingly important in economic debates as it can affect several industries such as gaming, real estate, finance, and education. Therefore, the French government has taken initiative to understand its role in shaping the future of the virtual immersive universe. The Directorate General for Enterprise understands that the development of the metaverse can have far-reaching implications, and the consultation is a necessary step to ensure French innovation in the virtual universe space.
The French government is mindful not to use the term “metaverse” too much. It prefers to use the less-defined “virtual immersive universe” in the consultation as the term “metaverse” is still subject to debate in public discourse. The use of the term “virtual immersive universe” may help in identifying a broader base of potential contributors to the consultation. By casting a wide net and including as many voices as possible, the French government can ensure that their approach is representative.
The consultation process could be a game-changer for the French economy, as the metaverse industry is growing at an impressive rate. The French government recognizes that virtual immersive experiences are increasingly becoming mainstream, with many companies positioning themselves as solution providers. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the demand for immersive worlds as people become more reliant on digital communication to connect with others. This shift has heightened the need for innovative solutions in the metaverse space.
The consultation in France comes at a time when many industry experts are grappling with how best to operate in the metaverse. During a panel discussion at Paris Blockchain Week, industry experts came together to discuss how regulators might interpret what happens in virtual spaces and how businesses could contribute to the metaverse industry. The professionals acknowledged that there is no standard governing the metaverse, providing an opportunity to create standards and ethical best practices.
The French consultation process is a necessary step in providing regulatory oversight and direction in the emerging metaverse industry. With a well-thought-out strategy, the French government could shape the metaverse industry’s global narrative, contributing to the broader conversation about the value of the metaverse. By encouraging public participation, the French government can ensure the inclusion of diverse perspectives in their strategy, making their contribution more robust and with a higher chance of success.
In conclusion, the French government’s consultation process is a sign of its commitment to develop innovative solutions in the virtual immersive universe space. By seeking public input, the French government is already on its way to fashioning a strategy to realize its vision. The consultation is an excellent opportunity for experts, researchers, producers, and users to shape the metaverse industry’s development, a mark of true innovation.
