New WEB4HUB research explores key developments shaping Web 4.0

WEB4HUB, A Space for the Metaverse – Virtual World and the Transition to Web 4.0, is a pilot project implemented by Verian Lithuania on behalf of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT). The project assesses developments in internet technologies relevant to Web 4.0 and virtual worlds and supports a global, multistakeholder dialogue on their governance.

As part of this work, the project team has developed a series of thematic papers examining technologies and trends expected to play an important role in the evolution of the web.

Five new thematic papers

The latest research covers three areas: agentic AI, post-quantum cryptography, and decentralised data and service architectures.

• Agentic AI: State of play examines the rapid development of agentic AI, including the socio-economic forces shaping its development and the evolution of related policy and governance frameworks.
• Agentic AI and internet infrastructure looks at how agentic AI could affect the physical infrastructure of the internet, including compute capacity, connectivity and energy systems.
• Agentic AI, trust and architecture considers what the growing use of autonomous software agents could mean for trust, data governance, internet architecture and security.

Together, the three papers provide complementary perspectives on the implications of agentic AI for the future of the web.

• Post-quantum cryptography transition examines the transition towards post-quantum cryptography, including developments in standardisation and the wider policy landscape.
• Decentralised data and service architectures in the era of Web 4.0 and virtual worlds looks at how decentralisation could shape digital infrastructures, data governance and service provision towards 2035, including implications for Europe’s digital competitiveness, sovereignty and policy agenda.

Building on earlier WEB4HUB research

The five papers build on the wider research and stakeholder engagement carried out by the WEB4HUB team. Previous outputs include the background and outcome documents prepared around the Global Multistakeholder High-Level Conference on Governance of Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds, as well as the thematic paper Digital identity and identifiers in the era of Web 4.0 and virtual worlds.

Stay updated

The WEB4HUB project continues to bring together research and stakeholder perspectives to support discussion around the technological and governance developments shaping Web 4.0.

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The project’s final workshop, “Europe and the Future Web – From Findings to Opportunities”, will take place online on 17 September 2026, from 09:30 to 13:00 CEST. The workshop will bring together experts and stakeholders to discuss and validate the project’s final findings and recommendations across key areas explored by WEB4HUB.

Interested in taking part? You can express your interest in joining the workshop by filling out THIS FORM.