We talk a lot about how to drive innovation
in Europe these days.
I
recently visited Nokia’s
new campus in Oulu,
Finnland. Minus 20 degrees Celsius, snow and ice stretching as far as the eye can see. From here, you could walk 150 km over the ice to Sweden. The Russian border is also nearby. And it is
precisely here, near the Arctic Circle, that highly relevant high-tech systems are being developed. Nokia operates one of its most advanced research and production centers
here.
Nokia
is developing intelligent network infrastructure: 5G
today, and soon 6G.
This is the foundation for streaming, autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and all the AI applications now emerging as part of the so-called “AI supercycle.” When Europe talks about its
technological future, some of the key building blocks are taking shape right here.
What
I found particularly striking: Nokia is 160 years old and has reinvented itself multiple times. From "connecting people" to "connecting intelligence".
This
visit made me think again about how Europe could approach transformation more optimistically, with a stronger focus on opportunity. It feels that often we hold on to things simply because they
feel familiar, not because they still make sense.
As
a communicator and mediator, I often see how difficult change can be. We tend to say, “This (or this person) has always been this way", while very often there is very little truth in
it.
It's
about: taking a chance. Moving from “Yes, but …” to “This might be different. Let’s try it.” From “No” to “I want to understand this better.”
I
believe innovation and reinvention start with ourselves, our attitude, not with technology or trends we read about. We should learn again to truly listen, explore further, connect with one
another, and be willing to leave our own beaten paths before reality forces us to.
And
by the way: Oulu,
European Capital of Culture 2026, is definitely worth a visit too.
Bildquelle: MJ