Immersive technologies: Policy uses and approaches

Immersive technologies such as augmented reality, virtual environments and digital twins are transforming the way societies interact with digital content. They create new opportunities in critical sectors such as health, education, manufacturing and culture. At the same time, significant challenges are emerging related to data collection and processing, privacy, surveillance, disinformation and cybercrime.

The new OECD report "A Review of National Strategies and Policies on Immersive Technologies", based on an analysis of 53 policies from 23 countries and the European Union, shows that policy-making in this area remains at an early and often fragmented stage. At the same time, there is a need to strengthen international cooperation, given the cross-border nature of these technologies and the importance of interoperability and common standards.

The online event, which will take place on 12 February 2026 from 14.00 to 16.00, offers the opportunity to exchange views and experiences on how states can work together to harness the transformative potential of immersive technologies, effectively manage associated risks and adopt best practices from successful applications in areas such as health, skills development and climate risk management.

Programme

• Welcome and introduction by Sara Rendtorff-Smith, Head of Division for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Digital Technologies, Directorate for Science, Technology and Innovation, OECD
• Keynote address bySouichirou Kozuka, Chair of the MIC Metaverse Working Group and Professor of Law, Gakushuin University, Tokyo
• Presentation by Edward Logan of the report "Overview of national strategies and policies on immersive technologies"
• Panel discussion on national strategies and policies on immersive technologies

Coordination: Elizabeth Thomas-Raynaud, Head of Emerging Digital Technologies Unit, Science, Technology and Innovation Directorate, OECD

Speakers:

• Souichirou Kozuka, Chair of the MIC Metaverse Working Group and Professor of Law, Gakushuin University, Tokyo
• Rehana Schwinninger-Ladak, Deputy Director for Data, Interactive Technologies and Digital Policy for Culture and Education, European Commission
• Alexandre Ibanez, President of the National Council XR (CNXR), France, and Co-Founder of Inversive XR
• Nathan White, Policy Director for AI Wearables, Reality Labs, Meta

Learning from experience: Technology in practice

Urban Digital Twins and Climate Risk Management
Claudia Baranzelli and Ji-Soo Yoon, Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities, OECD

Health and Virtual Human Modelling
Steve Levine, Senior Director of Virtual Human Modelling, Dassault Systèmes

Immersive procedural training for nurses and surgeons
Justin Barad, Orthopedic Surgeon, Founder and Director of Strategy, Osso VR

Questions & Answers (Q&A)

Concluding remarks by Elizabeth Thomas-Raynaud, Head of Emerging Digital Technologies Unit, Science, Technology and Innovation Directorate, OECD.

To register, click here. 
 

© OECD