Nokia Corporation is a global leader in networking. Based in Espoo, Finland, this Knowledge Leader’s mission is to bring together the world’s people, machines, and devices to realize the potential of digital in every industry. Nokia’s CEO Pekka Lundmark often emphasizes the company’s ambition to pioneer the next evolution of networking where networks meet the cloud.

The History of Nokia: A Journey of Evolution and Adaptation

The story of Nokia is a testament to the power of evolution, adaptation, and innovation, making the name Nokia synonymous with telecommunications. In fact, its roots were in a completely different industry. Founded in 1865 by Fredrik Idestam, a mining engineer, Nokia started as a single paper mill operation in the city of Tampere, Finland. The name “Nokia” was derived from the river Nokianvirta, which flowed near the second mill established by Idestam in the town of Nokia. In the early years, Nokia was a major player in the paper industry, but the company’s trajectory changed dramatically in 1967, when Nokia Corporation was formed through the merger of three Finnish companies: the original paper mill, Finnish Rubber Works, and Finnish Cable Works. This merger marked the beginning of Nokia’s diversification into electronics and telecommunications.

The 1980s and 1990s were pivotal decades for Nokia, when the firm made a strategic decision to focus solely on telecommunications, a move driven by the rapid growth of the mobile phone industry and Nokia’s belief in the potential of mobile communications. In 1987, Nokia launched the Mobira Cityman, one of the world’s first handheld mobile phones. This product was a major success and helped establish Nokia as a leading player in the mobile phone industry. Nokia’s success in the mobile phone industry continued into the 2000s. The company introduced several innovative products, including the Nokia 3310, one of the best-selling mobile phones of all time, and the Nokia 1100, which sold over 200 million units. However, the rise of smartphones in the late 2000s presented new challenges for Nokia. The company struggled to compete with new entrants like Apple and Samsung.

Today, the company is a major player in the telecommunications infrastructure industry, providing network equipment and services to telecommunications operators around the world.

Mobira Cityman 900, Credit: Nokia

Groundbreaking Technological Innovations by Nokia

When Nokia introduced the Mobira Cityman 900, the first handheld mobile phone for NMT (Nordic Mobile Telephony) networks in 1987, it was a game-changer. Weighing just 800 grams, it was significantly lighter than earlier “brick” phones. This innovation marked the beginning of a new era in mobile communications, making mobile phones accessible and portable for the average consumer. The Cityman 900 was famously used by the then Soviet Union leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, to make a call from Helsinki to Moscow during a press conference.

The impact of this innovation was felt on a global scale. The Cityman 900 set the stage for the development of smaller, more compact mobile phones, paving the way for the mobile revolution that would follow in the subsequent decades.

In the years that followed, Nokia continued to innovate and lead the mobile phone industry. In 1992, Nokia launched the Nokia 1011, the first commercially available GSM mobile phone. The introduction of the GSM technology was another significant milestone, as it is now the standard for mobile communication, used by billions of people worldwide.

Nokia 1011, Credit: Nokia

Product Portfolio and Unique Strengths Today

Today’s Nokia has a diverse product portfolio categorized into four main groups: mobile networks, fixed networks, cloud and network services, and Nokia Technologies. Each of these categories houses a multitude of products and services designed to cater to the specific needs of their customers.

In the realm of mobile networks, Nokia provides a comprehensive range of products including AirScale radio access, small cells, mobile core, and Wavence microwave. These products are designed to offer high-quality network performance and connectivity. In the fixed networks category, Nokia offers solutions like lightspan fiber access, Altiplano open access platform, and ISAM FX access nodes, which are aimed at providing fast and reliable internet services. Nokia’s cloud and network services include a wide array of software solutions such as cloud packet core, network exposure function, and cognitive services. These services are designed to help businesses optimize their operations and improve efficiency. Lastly, Nokia Technologies focuses on licensing and the Internet of Things, with a commitment to innovation and the development of new technologies.

One of Nokia’s unique strengths lies in its commitment to software and security updates. According to a report by Counterpoint Research, nearly 96% of Nokia smartphones sold since Q3 2018 are already running on Android Pie or have had an Android Pie update issued to them, making Nokia the fastest brand to reach this level. This commitment to regular software and security updates is a critical element in the continued safe performance of smartphones and is a testament to Nokia’s dedication to providing a superior user experience.

Global Operations and Recognition

In the 1990s, Nokia’s international presence grew exponentially with the global boom in mobile telephony. Its early mobile phone products, known for their durability and long battery life, appealed to a broad range of consumers across different regions and income levels, truly globalizing Nokia’s brand.

Today, Nokia’s global operations span across continents, from its home base in Finland to North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The firm operates in over 120 countries, employing approximately 92,000 people across the globe with offices and innovation centers strategically located in key cities worldwide. For instance, Nokia Bell Labs, the company’s research and development arm, operates in several countries, including the United States, China, and France, driving innovation in various areas like 5G, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.

Nokia’s global operations extend beyond just selling products. The company plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining telecommunications infrastructure worldwide. For example, Nokia has been instrumental in deploying 4G networks in emerging markets like India and Africa, and is currently at the forefront of 5G deployment in developed markets like the United States and Europe.

Research and Development

Research and development (R&D) is the lifeblood of any technology company, and Nokia is no exception. The company invests heavily in R&D, focusing on areas that promise significant technological advancements and potential market growth. This approach has resulted in numerous breakthroughs and patents, cementing Nokia’s reputation as a pioneer in the industry.

One of the most notable examples of Nokia’s commitment to R&D is its work on 6G technology. In collaboration with Bosch, Nokia is developing industrial Internet of Things (IoT) solutions based on the upcoming 6G cellular networks. This follows their joint work on 5G networks, which are now coming to market, mostly based on private 5G deployments. The partnership aims to shape the telecoms agenda via 3GPP work items for Industry 4.0, extending their 5G research collaborations into the 6G era.

Nokia’s R&D activities are not limited to its home country of Finland. The company has a global presence, with R&D centers in various parts of the world. This international approach allows Nokia to tap into a diverse pool of talent and ideas, fostering innovation on a global scale.

Recent Product Breakthroughs

In addition to its work on IoT and 6G technology, Nokia has also made significant advancements in 5G. The company recently unveiled a range of AI-powered next-generation solutions designed to enhance the capabilities of mobile networks and establish a future-proof network infrastructure. These solutions leverage artificial intelligence to match the exponential growth in traffic and ensure that networks are equipped to handle future demands.

Nokia’s breakthroughs extend beyond network technology. The company recently signed a multi-year patent license agreement with Apple, which includes Nokia’s industry-leading 5G portfolio and other technologies. This agreement underscores the value of Nokia’s extensive patent portfolio and its commitment to driving innovation in the telecommunications industry.

Furthermore, Nokia has also made strides in enhancing connectivity solutions. The company recently provided solutions to boost Virgin Media’s O2 connectivity. By leveraging Nokia’s single RAN solution, Virgin Media O2 aims to accelerate its 5G coverage rollout, enhancing connectivity for its customers.

AI Initiatives

Nokia is no stranger to the world of artificial intelligence. The company has been actively integrating AI into its products and services, recognizing the transformative potential of this technology.

One of the key areas where Nokia is applying AI is in its networking solutions. The company is leveraging AI to improve network performance and reliability, automate network management tasks, and provide more personalized services to its customers. For instance, Nokia’s “AI-as-a-Service” offers a suite of AI capabilities that can be used to optimize network operations and improve customer experience. This service uses machine learning algorithms to analyze network data and provide actionable insights, helping operators to proactively manage their networks and prevent potential issues before they impact customers.

In addition to its own products and services, Nokia is also involved in several collaborative AI projects. The company is part of the AI4EU consortium, a European initiative aimed at creating a collaborative AI ecosystem in Europe. This project brings together over 70 partners from 21 countries, including research institutions, businesses, and public organizations, to work on various AI-related challenges.

Nokia is also actively involved in AI research through its Nokia Bell Labs division. This renowned research institution is exploring the future of AI and its applications in various fields, including networking, cloud computing, and industrial automation. The research conducted at Nokia Bell Labs not only fuels Nokia’s future product portfolio but also contributes to the broader scientific community by advancing society’s understanding of AI and its potential applications.

IP routers in racks, Credit: Nokia

Collaborations and Partnerships

In the world of technology, collaboration is key. It’s through strategic partnerships that companies can drive innovation, expand their reach, and deliver more value to their customers, and Nokia has a rich history of collaborations and partnerships that have played a crucial role in its success.

Nokia has a total of 52 partners, spanning across various industries and technologies. These partnerships have allowed Nokia to leverage the strengths of other companies, creating a synergy that benefits all parties involved. Here are a few examples of Nokia’s significant collaborations:

1. MySQL: MySQL is one of Nokia’s largest partners. This partnership allows Nokia to leverage MySQL’s database management systems, which are crucial for managing and organizing the vast amounts of data that Nokia’s products and services generate.
2. Salesforce: Salesforce is a leading provider of customer relationship management (CRM) software. Through this partnership, Nokia can utilize Salesforce’s CRM platform to manage its customer interactions, improve customer service, and drive sales growth.
3. Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS is a leading provider of cloud computing services. This partnership enables Nokia to leverage AWS’s vast infrastructure and services to deliver its cloud-based solutions.
4. VMware: VMware is a global leader in cloud infrastructure and digital workspace technology. This partnership allows Nokia to utilize VMware’s technologies to enhance its own products and services.
5. Esri: Esri is a global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software. Through this partnership, Nokia can leverage Esri’s GIS software to analyze and visualize geographic data, which is crucial for many of its products and services.

This Knowledge Leader spotlight was generated using our AI engine with a series of prompts custom-developed by Knowledge Leaders Capital and designed to uncover the innovation strategies of companies we consider to be Knowledge Leaders. We have edited it for content, style, and length.

The following sources are examples of sources that may have been consulted in the preparation of this spotlight.

• Nokia Official Website
• Nokia News Releases
• Nokia’s Product Portfolio
• Wikipedia – Nokia, Mobira Cityman 900, Nokia 1011
• Counterpoint Research: Nokia Leads in Updating Smartphone Software and Security
• Statista: Global Smartphone Sales
• Nokia’s AI Initiatives
• Nokia Partnerships · Partnerbase
• LinkedIn: Nokia a Rising Star in Gartner’s Top 25 Supply Chain

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