The event was hosted by the Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the EU in Brussels on March 2024
On March 21st 2024, the kickoff meting and first General Assembly of the brand new Important Project of Common European Interest Cloud Infrastructure and Services (IPCEI-CIS) took place in Brussels.
A significant gathering
This significant gathering marked the commencement of this collaborative European initiative aimed at advancing cloud and edge computing technologies across the continent.
The event convened representatives from twelve participating EU Member States —Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, and Spain— as well as industry leaders, research institutions, and stakeholders involved in the IPCEI-CIS project. The primary objective of this initiative is to develop a multi-provider cloud-edge continuum, enhancing Europe's digital sovereignty and competitiveness in the global market.
On December 5, 2023, the European Commission approved up to €1.2 billion in State aid for IPCEI-CIS. This groundbreaking decision supports research, development, and the first industrial deployment of advanced cloud and edge computing technologies in Europe Cloud-Edge Continuum. The IPCEI-CIS, branded as "8ra," aims to create an interoperable and accessible European data processing ecosystem. This ecosystem is designed to support the seamless integration of cloud platforms and edge devices, facilitating advancements in areas such as smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and the digitisation of industrial processes. The initiative underscores Europe's commitment to data governance and the establishment of a robust public-private collaborative technology ecosystem.
The E2CC project was there
As part of the IPCEI-CIS framework, the E2CC project was represented at this meeting by Frederic Malicki, CTO ECEMEA RBU in Eviden (an Atos business), who participated to a panel discussion on European-Cloud-Edge Continuum, and by François Exertier in his role of coordinator of E2CC and on behalf of Atos.
The Kick-Off event provided a platform for participants to discuss the project's structure, funding mechanisms, and collaborative strategies. It also facilitated the alignment of national initiatives with the European Alliance for Industrial Data, Edge, and Cloud, ensuring a cohesive approach to the continent's digital transformation.
The successful inauguration of the IPCEI-CIS initiative through this Kick-Off event signifies a major step forward in Europe's pursuit of technological autonomy and innovation in cloud and edge computing.
Key highlights and goals
Highlights
- EU-Wide Collaboration: projects from 12 Member States joined forces to create the first interoperable and openly accessible European data processing ecosystem.
- Funding and investments: the €1.2 billion in public funding is expected to unlock an additional €1.4 billion in private investments, supporting 19 highly innovative direct projects across Europe. In total IPCEI-CIS launched around 120 projects.
- Innovative Ecosystem: IPCEI-CIS will develop advanced cloud and edge computing technologies, enabling real-time, low-latency services and fostering the digital and green transition in Europe.
- Long-term Impact: the project aims to create at least 1,000 direct and indirect highly qualified jobs during its phases from 2023 to 2031.
Goals
- Digital and Technological Sovereignty: reduce dependencies and promote seamless operation across providers and countries.
- Sustainability and Cybersecurity: develop energy-efficient, secure, and automated services to support Europe's digital and green transitions.
- Open-Source Innovation: provide open-source software and tools to ensure widespread access and innovation.
With IPCEI-CIS, Europe is poised to lead in next-generation cloud and edge technologies, driving innovation, economic growth, and competitiveness.