Open Innovations Forum in Moscow: Ericsson working toward smart future with ICT

Ericsson participates in discussions on the role of modern technologies in today’s most urgent global challenges and opportunities. Together with the most prominent speakers from governments, business and society, Ericsson President and CEO Hans Vestberg addressed the question of innovative development at the major international event Open Innovations Forum in Moscow.

The event, which takes place from October 31 to November 2, brings representatives from business, the authorities, and sciences, to share experiences and analyze fundamental global trends. The Forum was organized by leading Russian development institutes and Moscow Government with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation.

Ericsson President and CEO Hans Vestberg showed examples of innovation, research ideas, and business models that are already coming to life in the Networked Society. Entering a new era of mobility – where technology enables business and people to interact, innovate and share knowledge in whole new ways demands creative and advanced solutions. By 2017, there will be 5 billion mobile broadband users, three times as many as there are today, and by 2020 the world will see 50 billion connected devices transforming lives, businesses and society. "The pace of change will never again be this slow," said Vestberg.

He continued: "The combined forces of mobility, broadband and the cloud will bring transformation to all parts of life – but one of the first places we will see great change is cities. People are moving to cities at a rate of 7500 per hour – therefore we need to ensure that the infrastructure is right, to ensure sustainable growth and possibilities."

During his presentation, Vestberg discussed Ericsson’s role in the Skolkovo project, first announced in 2011. The company will open an R&D site which will focus on broadband communication; intelligent transport systems (ITS); cloud applications; Smart grid technologies for the utility sector; and machine-to-machine (M2M) technologies. Ericsson sees LTE as ones of the critical enablers to the breakthrough developments in various markets.4G networks can satisfy the communications needs and redefine the way we experience technologies in a multitude of industries. The resulting "smart grid" can then be viewed as a synthesis of energy, IT and communications infrastructure.

Also at the Open Innovation Forum, results were shared from the most recent Ericsson research project which explores the possibilities for distribution automation using LTE wireless technology. The project ensures visibility of LTE as a smart grid communication platform that meets stringent reliability, cyber security and quality of service requirements for critical infrastructure protection.

Supporting its approach to 50 billion connected devices, Ericsson announced a partnership with MegaFon aimed at developing the M2M market in Russia. Under the agreement, MegaFon will use Ericsson’s Device Connection Platform to cost effectively manage a large number of connected devices and machines for enterprises.

Vestberg concluded: "Russia has been one of the most attractive markets for the past 130 years with enormous opportunities. We see mobile technology at the forefront of modernization in Russia. That is why we are enthusiastic to support the Russian telecom industry with its forward-looking plans."