The European Commission (EC), together with the Internet of Things European Research Cluster (IERC), created in March 2015 the Alliance for Internet of Things Innovation (AIOTI). The Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged through vertical silos and applications and are representing to a large extent the IoT value chain. AIOTI brings together: different industries, different sectors (energy, utilities, automotive, mobility, lighting, buildings, manufacturing, well-being, supply chains, cities etc.) and some of Europe's largest tech and digital companies. However, IoT is essentially about a new ecosystem that cuts across vertical areas.

What AIOTI will bring?

· AIOTI is an important tool for supporting the policy and dialogue within the IoT ecosystem and with the European Commission.

· It expands activities towards innovation within and across industries.

· The Alliance is to help the Commission prepare future IoT research and innovation, standardisation and policy.

· AIOTI will also concentrate on the definition and design of IoT Large Scale Pilots to be funded under the Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, and will help to build the links and forge the cross-sectorial synergies required for this, as cooperation is crucial for the development of the IoT.

· The Internet of Things is creating a revolutionary new paradigm with opportunities in every industry from healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food, agriculture, electronics, telecommunications, automotive, aeronautics, transportation, energy and retail to apply the massive potential of the IoT to achieve real-world solutions.

How AIOTI is organized?

AIOTI has a structure with 2 layers: the Board (Steering Committee) and the Working Groups (WGs):

· WG 1: IoT European research cluster

· WG 2: Innovation Ecosystems

· WG 3: IoT Standardisation

· WG 4: Policy issues (trust, security, liability, privacy)

· WG 5: Smart living environments for ageing well (e.g. smart house)

· WG 6: Smart farming and food security

· WG 7: Wearables

· WG 8: Smart cities

· WG 9: Smart mobility (smart transport/smart vehicles/connected cars)

· WG 10: Smart environment (smart water management)

· WG 11: Smart manufacturing

There are three WGs relevant to Water: WG10, WG8 and WG6. The latter WGs are currently missing problems owners.

Willing to join AOITI ? The European Commission recently launched a call for expression of interest to join the Alliance for Internet of Things Innovation (AIOTI). In view of the importance expressed by Commissioner MOEDAS on 'digital solutions for the next generation of innovations in the water sector' Vlakwa already expressed a willingness to join AIOTI. In this way Vlakwa strives to initiate and facilitate IoT - water research and innovation projects in Flanders. For more information - contact - Dirk Van De Stede (dvds@vlakwa.be).

If you are willing to join AIOTI, please:

· Express your interest to join and iterate your commitment to the goals and mission of AIOTI

· Inform us about the AIOTI Working Groups/chairs you would like to get involve in.

· Please send your expression of interest by email to CNECT-AIOTI@ec.europa.eu or through the website - http://ec.europa.eu/digital-agenda/en/news/call-expression-interest-join-alliance-internet-things-innovation-aioti

If your company develops ICT for water management please contact VLAKWA for:

· Registration of your company profile on our waterdatabase (vb@vlakwa.be)

· Initiation, coordination and facilitation of project ideas (dvds@vlakwa.be) and partner matching