Finland launches embedded systems technology programme
The Finnish National Technology Agency, Tekes, has launched new EUR 294 million programme on ubiquitous computing, which it expects will greatly increase its country's contribution to the potential EU Joint Technology Initiative ARTEMIS. Dubbed Ubicom - which stands for ubiquitous computing - the programme will develop and pilot technology embedded systems solutions designed to make everyday life easier by functioning inconspicuously in the background. Areas which are likely to benefit from the new applications include healthcare, entertainment and the environment. Tekes expects the programme to improve Finland's international competitiveness by helping the information and communication technologies (ICT) industry to speed up the commercialisation of new technologies, and increase the level of research carried out in the field. 'Strong signals from various sources indicate that Ubicom is becoming a strategic technology trend worldwide. For example, Japan and Korea are implementing a national policy in which Ubicom will play a central role in the coming years,' says Oiva Knuuttila, Tekes Chief Technology Adviser. Ubiquitous computing or embedded systems have also been cited as a priority by the European Union. European industry's own research investment in this field is estimated at between €15 and €20 billion per year. Today nearly 50% of the 100 biggest European companies invest in embedded systems research, and most of the top 25 European research spenders rely on embedded systems for their products and services. To maintain this lead, the European Commission says it hopes to see the launch of ARTEMIS (Advanced Research and Technology for Embedded Intelligence and Systems) Joint Technology Initiative (JTI) in the coming months. The JTI would be intended to promote the coordinated development of embedded information technology applications across Europe. Finland has already signalled its support for ARTEMIS, and with the Ubicom programme, Tekes believes Finnish companies will be better prepared to contribute to and benefit from participating in the JTI. 'Finland's position in Artemis is certain to improve, and we will be able to benefit substantially from EU funding. As end-users we will be involved in the piloting phase, we hope that companies applying the solutions will be able to increase their own competitiveness. The applications will also improve the quality of life. Developing business is and will be the pivotal challenge,' says Mr Knuuttila.
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Finland