Web Intelligence (WI) 3.0: in search of a better-connected world to create a future intelligent society

Over the past two decades, Web Intelligence (WI) has emerged as a key field driving the evolution of AI in the connected world, addressing the demands of a future intelligent society. This paper provides a comprehensive review of WI’s contributions since its inception in 2000, spanning three distinct phases: Wisdom World Wide Web (WI 1.0, 2000–2009), Wisdom Web of Things (WI 2.0, 2010–2017), and Wisdom Web of Everything (WI 3.0, since 2018). For each phase, we examine key advancements, challenges, and future directions from the perspectives of both intelligent machines and human experts, highlighting significant societal impacts. To advance WI research, we propose a large language model-based learning framework for topic analysis and trend prediction. Moving beyond single-perspective approaches, we emphasize the Connected Intelligence Ecosystem defined by the HIGH5 scheme comprising one goal, two twins, three fundamentals, four functions, and five services that are realized through WI 3.0. This vision serves as a bridge from localized models to a global reference framework for addressing sustainability challenges in future societies. To illustrate the real-world implications of WI 3.0, we present case studies focusing on brain-inspired research, particularly in the intersection of brain intelligence, brain health, and brainternet-fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across diverse research communities.