Policy brief

Policy Brief - Next: the Internet of Things

In just a few years, the Internet has become the principal means for disseminating information and an essential infrastructure in numerous domains, used by individuals, businesses and institutions. Nevertheless, there is still massive potential for expansion.

Published on : 12/01/2015

Temps de lecture

1 minute

Today, the Internet connects computers and mobile terminals; in the future, it will allow interaction amongst agrowing number of objects, and between the objects and their users. The Internet is gradually becoming an extended network, known as the Internet of Things (IoT), connecting billions of human beings – and tens of billions of objects.

This transformation will radically alter sectors still relatively unaffected by the Internet, such as healthcare, housing, automotive and insurance: a formidable economic battle is expected in the next few years, not only for control of the platforms, but also for the sharing of value between traditional economic players and newcomers from the digital sector.

Many questions will be raised as these changes take place, regarding not only the economic growth and social transformations they engender, but also concerning individual freedoms and national sovereignty. For France and Europe to be full-fledged players in this revolution, the priority is to facilitate experimentation with projects, create an open platform within the IoT dedicated to public services, make security and protection of privacy a competitive advantage, support European industry in standardising its technologies and increase European presence in standardisation bodies.

Number of connected objects by type (in billions)