Craig Barrett Keynotes Oulu’s “Tomorrow’s Wireless World” event in San Jose

“The characteristics of Silicon Valley and Finland are very similar. Both regions have smart people in the right environment that create value. I applaud the mayors of the two cities for getting together and creating this forum. Innovation is the name of the game.”
- Craig Barrett, Chairman, Intel Corp.


Oulu demonstrated Real R&D Innovation in Action in San Jose November 18, 2008 at “Tomorrow’s Wireless World,” hosted by Mayor Matti Pennanen and featuring a keynote from Craig Barrett, Chairman, Intel Corp. It was a gathering of the movers and shakers who are at the forefront of the wireless revolution including global leaders from Oulu as well as Cisco, Orange, Toyota, Merrill Lynch, Intel, and several venture capitalist firms. The sold out crowd and participating Oulu companies made the planned event a first-rate opportunity to improve connections between Oulu and San Jose businesses, research organizations and city government.

Attendees enjoyed a panel presentation that included some of the most innovative and influential thought leaders from Oulu:

-    Prof. Juha Röning, Head of the Dept. Electrical and Information Engineering, Oulu University
-    Markus Asplund, VP, Sesca Technologies
-    Ari Pouttu, Director of Centre of Wireless Communications
-    David Chartier, CEO, Codenomicon
-    Craig O’Connell, Sr. Manager, Elektrobit
-    Dr. Jussi Paakkari, VP, R&D ICT, VTT
-    Purnima Kochikar, Director, Software and Services. Nokia

Consultant Chetan Sharma put the panel to the test during informal but pointed conversations about the impact wireless technology will have on our lives now and in the future. Topics of discussion ranged from user interface to reduction in carbon footprint to privacy and security issues and much more. Sharma asked each panelist to present their view on some of the defining trends over the last 12 months. Answers included: iPhone; android; the move towards a full mobile browser; the browser will reduce fragmentation and more innovation will happen; and with the rise of smartphones, security and privacy have become an issue.

Intel Chairman Craig Barrett took the stage to offer attendees a look at Intel enabled wireless devices including notebook PCs, handsets, smartphones, and consumer electronics such as gaming devices. The onstage action included a live demonstration of high-speed WiMAX mobile Internet transmission from a remote Intel product development manager in a moving car while the audience listened and watched on a large screen. As Barrett spoke about the global challenges of education, health, computing, and communication, he reminded the audience that in the future, Intel WiMAX technology will allow people to connect in more places, more often, without being restricted to hotspots. Barrett also pointed out that Moore’s law and pace of development in communications will still be valid and based on known technologies at least 15 years from now on reaching until 2023.

Barrett commended Oulu and San Jose for continuing their cooperation which was formally announced in October, 2008 as the two cities agreed to work together in various initiatives which promote and encourage mutually beneficial relations to foster improved connections for businesses, research organizations and city government in each region.  

“The characteristics of Silicon Valley and Finland are very similar,” said Barrett. “Both regions have smart people in the right environment that create value. I applaud the mayors of the two cities for getting together and creating this forum. Innovation is the name of the game.”

Barrett concluded his address with a focus on Intel’s support for high-tech start-ups and VC funding and introduced Intel Capital’s VP Sriram Viswanathan to the audience.

Oulu Mayor Matti Pennanen also spoke at the event about the role of innovation in the growth and strengthening of the world economy. Pennanen educated attendees on Oulu’s education system, sharp focus on innovation and desire to succeed. “The Oulu region provides a wireless R&D and innovation ecosystem that enables companies to improve product quality, increase market share, and reduce time-to-market,” said Pennanen. “Unlike other countries, the Oulu region has a complete infrastructure to support the R&D needs of wireless technology companies.”

Proceeding the event, the news of Oulu’s Center of Internet Excellence, Web Commerce Center and demonstrations from WhileOnThe Move (MSG Software) and realXtend crossed U.S. wires.

Ask anyone who had the opportunity to participate - the conversations continued in the hallways, during meals and at evening gatherings. The intent of conference organizers is to keep the conversation going among innovators and thought leaders and to embrace the activities of "foresight" to engage critical thinking concerning long-term developments. It is important to debate the issues in both Oulu, and San Jose and create wider participation in decisions that will shape the future.