Virtual Humans for European Societal Prosperity (VESPER)

The project proposal focusses on the emerging phenomenon of Virtual Humans (VH) as a Key Enabling Technology (KET) for societal prosperity. The pending VH Research and Development (R&D) agenda (2024-2028) in the Midden-Brabant region addresses the actual and potential benefits of VH for society, as well as the associated risks and problems. This VH R&D agenda recently acquired external funding from the Dutch national government (the so-called Regiodeal Midden Brabant). The R&D work on VH for Broad Prosperity will be done by knowledge partners Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas), Fontys, Tilburg University (TiU) in collaboration with societal partners in areas s.a. journalism, politics, health care and coordinated by MindLabs.
With its expertise in game technology, immersive media and applied AI, BUas is one of the leading partners in the regional VH R&D agenda. However, the BUas VH R&D agenda and the MindLabs regional VH R&D agenda are not yet linked to the EU research and innovation agenda. BUas and partners recognize that they are not well connected yet to (potential) VH R&D partners and network organisations in the EU.