Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Tsinghua University - Nokia Research Center's latest university partner

Nokia Research Center and Tsinghua University in Beijing are creating a new, long-term research partnership.

Tsinghua University is one of China's premier academic institutions with graduates including Charles Zhang, the founder and President of SOHU.com one of China's leading Internet portals; and Hu Jintao - President of the People's Republic of China.

Both Nokia and Tsinghua stand to benefit from the relationship:

Nokia will benefit from:
* incorporating localized, on-the-ground knowledge of Chinese consumers, culture, politics and economy into its product designs
* ability to shape talent to meet its specific hiring needs in a market with a scarcity of specialized talent
* connections to an esteemed alumni network that spans the globe (chapters are in Silicon Valley, Canada, the UK....)
* influencing research and teaching agendas

Tsinghua U. will benefit from:
* intermingling of Nokia researchers with its faculty and students, bringing an infusion of private sector culture and resources to the institution
* ability to update its curriculum based on the real needs and demands of a potential employer
* expertise in mobile telephony/design in a country where mobile devices far outnumber PCs
* financial and technology resources (likely)

Many scholars credit the strong linkages between industry and universities for the US' success in innovation. Nokia's competitor, Motorola, has a long history of partnering with universities across the world - including Tsinghua University. Nokia has been less aggressive in this area, but appears to be changing course, likely to the benefit of all involved.

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