SOURCE: Global Connexus
September 08, 2008 12:28 ET
International Researchers Establish Center for Internet Excellence
University of Oulu, Finland Selected as Site for Research of Pioneering Technology and Innovations in the Internet and Service Sector
SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwire - September 8, 2008) - Working in cooperation with the City of Oulu,
Finland and The Oulu Innovation program, Global Connexus today announced
that a Center for Internet Excellence is being set up at the University of
Oulu as an independent unit with operations scheduled to begin in 2009.
Between 100-200 international researchers from the University of Oulu,
Nokia, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, the Oulu University of
Applied Sciences, and research groups from future project partners will
work at the Center, with support from the City of Oulu and Technopolis, one
of Europe's largest technology incubators.
"The Center for Internet Excellence and its operational concept will
enhance our basic research and promote our primary objective, which is to
develop into a world-class research university," said Rector Lauri Lajunen
of the University of Oulu. "The choice of the University as the site for
the Center was based on the high standard of multidisciplinary competence
of the scientific community here, which will enable Internet research from
the perspective of telecommunications, information technology and software
research, economics and the humanities."
The goal of the Center for Internet Excellence is to produce research of a
high international standard, pioneering technology, and innovations in the
growing areas driven by the Internet and the service sector. Subjects of
research will include ubiquitous Internet technologies, interaction between
people and the Internet, and new multimedia applications and means of
communication. Priority in basic and applied research will eventually be
determined in working groups made up of the member organizations. Broad
multidisciplinary methodologies, transparency, the benefits of global
research networks, a joint testing infrastructure, networking and a
result-oriented mode of operations will be typical of the Center.
"This is an important initiative for Nokia in a key business area," said
Erkki Ormala, vice president, Technology and Trade Policy, Nokia. "It will
increase competitiveness, create new business opportunities and promote
realization of a new environment of collaboration."
Long established innovative institutions in the Oulu area combined with a
highly educated local workforce were major factors in Nokia's decision to
take part in the founding of the Center. Nokia, like other equal partners,
played a role in developing the concept of the Center including the basic
funding and selection of projects. Depending on the need, Nokia will
locate its own personnel in the facilities of the Center. Oulu is currently
home to significant Nokia R&D operations.
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland will develop mobile Internet
technology and business competence together with the other partners in the
Internet Center for Excellence. Research will be supported by a joint
professorship at VTT and the University of Oulu in mobile
telecommunications business competence.
"We'll increase interaction among researchers by combining research groups
from different institutions with support for entrepreneurship," said Jussi
Paakkari, technology director at VTT. "New concepts that combine new
technology, business know-how, ease-of-use, and data security will be
tested."
"The Center for Internet Excellence is a significant concrete step in
restructuring wireless technology research," said Matti Pennanen, Mayor of
Oulu. "The model for collaboration will enable the Center to better support
the commercialization of global top-level basic and applied research."
The Oulu University of Applied Sciences will contribute its lengthy
experience in content production for cross-disciplinary Internet technology
and applied research. "In collaboration with other researchers, the
University of Applied Sciences will produce new knowledge that it can
immediately integrate with education," said Lantto. "The Center for
Internet Excellence will offer the University of Applied Sciences an
opportunity to work in direct and active contact with companies and other
researchers around the world."
About Oulu, Finland
Oulu is a technology hub of Europe. In this time of digital revolution,
Oulu has firmly established itself as one of the world's most significant
centers in wireless communication development. Oulu offers a vibrant mix of
business, research, and education that continually inspires new companies
and products towards success in the world market. Oulu is a great place to
develop competence and build success, as demonstrated with more than 800
hi-tech businesses operating in the region, including Nokia, Nokia Siemens
Networks, Polar, F-Secure, Wipro and Flextronics. In addition to top-level
international business, Oulu is home to many world-class education and
research institutions. For more information please visit
www.businessoulu.com.
About Global Connexus
Global Connexus is an exceptionally well-qualified management consulting
firm located in the heart of California's Silicon Valley. The mission of
Global Connexus is to deliver a range of business consulting and launch
services in North America, Asia and Europe for Finnish companies from the
Oulu region of Finland. Global Connexus works closely and in cooperation
with the City of Oulu and The Oulu Innovation program. For more information
please visit www.globalconnexus.com