Insights

Spinverse and ObservatoryNano release the Wireless Communications Report

Devices using wireless communication range from TV receivers to RFID tags, and mobile phones to satellites. Internet access from mobile phones and tablets is growing exponentially, which puts increasing demands on the performance of mobile devices and networks. Radio frequency (RF) electronic components use a lot of passive components, like capacitors and inductors, which cannot be miniaturized as fast as transistors and digital electronics circuits. It is foreseen that within the next 10‐15 years the current RF technologies will not be able to meet the ever increasing performance requirements of mobile handsets. Wireless sensors for health and sports monitoring have already become commonplace, and wireless connections are used extensively between household devices, in security systems and in monitoring and logistics systems in factories and warehouses. The development of smaller, cheaper, less power consuming and more efficient wireless sensor devices is expected to have considerable impact on these areas and enable new solutions for services, healthcare, environment monitoring, and logistics.

Spinverse Oy has been selected to coordinate Tekes Green Growth programme (2010-2015; 79 M€).

The programme aims to support the generation of innovations enabling significant leaps in energy and material efficiency and to create foundation for the development of new value networks based on green growth. The vision of the programme is that Finland will have leading expertise and understanding related to sustainable energy and natural resources use. This will provide Finnish companies a competitive advantage in the international market.

A company’s CTO is often the least known member of its board, but their significance is growing strongly. Global competition is inescapable, and new products must reach the market and begin delivering sales fast.

Opinion leader with long experience in energy sector

CTO Petra Lundström at Fortum Corporation has been chosen as 2012 Chief Technology Officer of the Year. Technology Academy Finland (TAF) gives the award in recognition of the work of a CTO who has made a significant contribution to the performance and growth potential of their company through technology. The winning CTO is an inspiring leader and is actively involved in professional organisations and discussion on the role played by technology in society. The CTO of the Year award is held in partnership with Spinverse Oy, Confederation of Finnish Industries EK and Sitra.

Finnish CTOs don’t plan drastic cuts in 2012 R&D budgets, but will recruit less

Over 70 Finnish companies participated in the CTO Survey 2012, which was run for the second consecutive year. The study was conducted by technology and innovation consultancy Spinverse, with Sitra, the Federation of Finnish Industries EK and Technology Academy Finland. The survey is launched at today's CTO Forum, which will also see the announcement of the 2012 CTO of the Year.

The looming threat of a recession increases the importance of R&D funding, both directly from Tekes and by other means such as tax incentives. Recipients of such funding also have an obligation to communicate to taxpayers about how it is being used, even before specific results are achieved. When the message is clear, new and bold, the media writes. Also positively.

Spinverse and ObservatoryNANO provide nanotechnology landscape report to policy makers

European faces a number of ‘Grand Challenges’, outlined in the Lund Declaration 2009, such as the global warming, tightening supplies of energy, water and food, ageing societies, public health, pandemics and security. Nanotechnologies offer the potential to help address a number of these challenges leading to an eco-efficient European economy, which competes effectively with other world regions.

Agenda