We are delighted to announce the release of the comprehensive study report, “Benchmarking the Impact of the Next Generation Internet Initiative.” This detailed report marks a significant milestone in evaluating the transformative impact of the Next Generation Internet (NGI) initiative, the EU programme aimed at shaping an internet that prioritises human values and aligns with European principles. The report highlights the crucial role the NGI programme has played in shaping a sustainable, sovereign, and EU-aligned tech landscape.
The NGI program launched its support to Internet innovators in 2019. Since then NGI has been essential in driving innovation, with approximately €140 million invested over five years to support over 1,000 grassroots open-source projects, spanning key technology building blocks including decentralised social media, secure messaging, digital identity, collaborative tools, crowdsourced data/AI or software supply chain. These projects foster an internet ecosystem that respects digital rights, promotes sustainability, and upholds EU legislation and values.
Key findings from the report
The benchmark study assesses the impact of NGI projects across several dimensions such as:
Impact on society
The study found that nearly three-quarters of NGI projects enhance safety, security, and individual empowerment. Additionally, 59% focus on centering people’s rights in digital transformation, while 57% work to ensure online freedom of choice. Projects that encourage participation in the digital public space make up 33%, and those promoting digital inclusion and equal access constitute 24%.
Impact on enabling EU legislation
Approximately 39% of NGI projects support compliance with GDPR, and 30% are aligned with the Cyber Resilience Act. A further 23% aid in the implementation of the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, while 15% back EU digital identity initiatives.
Impact on standardisation
More than half of the NGI projects collaborate with standardisation organisations such as W3C, IETF, and OASIS. These projects have contributed significantly to various internet protocols and standards, including Solid, HTML, CSS, WebAuthn, and DNSSEC.
Impact on alternative solutions
The benchmark study reveals that 57% of NGI projects offer viable alternatives to existing market solutions. These alternatives span across various domains including productivity tools, social media, messaging platforms, identity and access management systems, among others.
Sustainability
Post-funding, 74% of NGI projects continue to operate, showcasing their sustainability. Additionally, 32% of the projects have secured renewed or additional funding, with a significant portion of this new funding coming from NGI itself. The initiative has also led to the creation of around 80 new sustainable legal entities.
Furthermore, NGI funding has catalysed collaboration, engaging an estimated 50 open-source contributors per funded project. Around 80,000 individuals have actively contributed to NGI projects on platforms such as GitLab and GitHub, contributing through coding, testing, and bug reporting, often without direct NGI funding.
NGI’s technological pillars for a secure, open, and inclusive Internet
Open hardware
The open hardware movement, although newer than Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), benefits from community-driven developments. Despite relatively small funding, high levels of complexity in hardware design have been achieved. NGI supports open hardware projects that impact internet infrastructure, particularly in creating alternatives to major proprietary Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools. Projects funded include the development of an entirely open tool chain and the manufacture of a new chip based on FOSS and open designs, such as the Libre-SOC’s 180-nanometer Power ISA test ASIC, the first non-IBM Power ISA implementation to reach silicon.
Network and transport
NGI projects in this cluster focus on the evolution and improvement of network protocols and transport mechanisms, enhancing the infrastructure that underpins the internet. The impact includes contributions to the development of new standards and protocols that support more efficient, secure, and resilient internet connectivity.
Internet technology evolution
This cluster encompasses projects that drive the next steps in internet technology, including enhancements to web technologies and the creation of new tools that facilitate better internet functionality. Significant contributions include advancements in protocols and standards, with projects actively involved in initiatives such as Solid, HTML, CSS, and WebAuthn.
Web 3.0 and cryptography
Projects in this cluster focus on the decentralisation of the web (Web 3.0) and advancements in cryptographic techniques. These initiatives aim to provide more secure, private, and decentralised solutions for internet users, aligning with the broader goals of the NGI initiative to enhance digital rights and privacy.
Web 4.0 and virtual worlds
This emerging cluster includes projects that explore virtual and augmented realities, contributing to the development of Web 4.0 technologies. The impact includes creating new immersive experiences and interfaces, pushing the boundaries of how users interact with digital environments
Decentralised social media
NGI-funded projects in this area are developing alternatives to mainstream social media platforms, emphasising decentralisation, privacy, and user control. Notable impacts include the development of platforms like Mastodon and other components of the Fediverse, a decentralised network of interconnected social media services .
Instant messaging
Projects are also focused on creating decentralised, secure, and privacy-respecting instant messaging solutions. These efforts aim to provide viable alternatives to popular, often centralised, messaging platforms, enhancing user privacy and security.
Collaborative tools
This cluster includes projects developing tools that facilitate online collaboration, from document editing to project management. The impact is seen in the enhancement of remote work and collaboration capabilities, especially relevant in the context of increasing digital work environments.
Crowdsourced data and AI
Projects in this area leverage crowdsourcing and artificial intelligence to create innovative solutions for data collection, analysis, and application. These projects contribute to more democratic and inclusive data-driven decision-making processes, supporting various sectors including research and public services.
Digital identity and signatures
NGI projects are also pioneering new approaches to digital identity management and electronic signatures, ensuring they are secure, user-friendly, and privacy-preserving. The impact includes improved methods for identity verification and digital transactions, crucial for online security and privacy.
Software supply chain
This cluster focuses on improving the security and reliability of the software supply chain, addressing vulnerabilities and enhancing the transparency of software components. Projects have contributed to the standardisation of Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) through initiatives like Package URL, OWASP CycloneDX, and SPDX .
Feedback from the grantees
The NGI Impact Report also incorporates feedback from NGI grantees, highlighting their perspectives on how funding can enhance project uptake and success. Recommendations include maintaining the current funding approach, adapting procurement and monitoring processes for efficiency, and expanding funding to support maintenance and scalability of projects. Grantees emphasise the need for ongoing financial support, simplified application processes, and clearer guidelines to maximise project impact.
We invite you to explore the full report to gain deeper insights into NGI’s achievements and its future direction. Your engagement and feedback are vital as we strive towards a more human-centric internet.
To read the full report, click here.