Finland has recently unveiled an ambitious plan to become a global leader in the Metaverse by 2035. In a groundbreaking move, Finland became the first European Union country to develop a comprehensive national strategy for the Metaverse, distinguishing itself from other EU nations. This plan, titled ‘Metaverse Initiative by the Finnish Ecosystem: Virtual Potential into Real-World Impact,’ is set to position Finland alongside major countries like China, Japan, the UK, and the UAE, all of whom are actively exploring Metaverse opportunities.
Embracing the Metaverse Concept
Unlike the European Commission’s preference for the term ‘virtual worlds,’ Finland has adopted the term ‘metaverse’ in its strategic plan. The Finnish approach to the Metaverse encompasses immersive experiences that blend physical and digital elements. The strategy particularly focuses on the Metaverse’s capacity for user personalization, interaction with the real world, and its three-dimensional spatial environment.
Strategic Goals and Global Impact
This initiative integrates national values like international collaboration and leverages Finland’s geopolitical position. By capitalizing on its strengths in extended reality, telecommunications, AI, fintech, gaming, and software applications, Finland aspires to gain a competitive edge in the global Metaverse landscape.
Finland’s Metaverse industry aims to generate over €30 billion annually by 2035, with a focus on sustainability, well-being, and social cohesion. The plan prioritizes building a diverse and dynamic ecosystem, standardization, regulation, cybersecurity, and education to ensure inclusivity and universal access.
Finland’s Metaverse strategy prioritizes digital rights, user privacy, security, and autonomy. The strategy aims to educate the public through community hubs and libraries, and views the Metaverse as a tool for advancing healthcare, remote work, collaborative robotics, and AI initiatives.