#5
Aalborg is a hotspot for connectivity business
Aalborg is at the forefront of the digital revolution. Aalborg is not only known for its green profile and business-friendly environment but also for its commitment to digital excellence.
Table of contents:
- The history - Mobile Valley
- Most digital in the Nordics
- The Growth of the Tech Industry in Aalborg
- Heavy on the patents
- Leading in Engineering
- Educational Programmes
The history - Mobile Valley
During the 1990s, Aalborg earned the name 'Mobile Valley' due to the presence of numerous companies and institutions in the mobile industry, as well as the significant progress made in research and development at Aalborg University. Notably, the university's research led to the invention of the integrated antenna for mobile phones about 30 years ago.
Jane Rygaard is Head of Corporate Partnerships at NOKIA.
Petar Popovski is Professor in Connectivity and Wireless Communications at Aalborg University.
These groundbreaking discoveries and developments marked a pivotal turning point for Aalborg, transforming it from a traditional industrial city into a modern hub of knowledge and innovation.
Thanks to the emergence of new and innovative companies, experts, and researchers in the field of mobile technology, North Denmark experienced a surge in synergies and growth.
Today, both pioneering Danish and international companies continue to work tirelessly on developing wireless solutions for the future.
Most digital in the Nordics
In the Nordic-Digital-Municipality-Index Aalborg was ranked as the overall number 1 when combining the categories of ‘Mobile Network Deploy’, ‘Digital Services’ and ‘Smart Municipalities’. The Index measured the digital readiness in 60 Nordic municipalities and concluded that Aalborg, overall, is the most digitally prepared municipality in the Nordic region, making it the best equipped to embrace and embrace the digital future.
Aalborg Cases
Korean Samsung Electronics, a global technology company with 270,000 employees worldwide, might seem like a distant colossus. Still, a dedicated team of 70 individuals placed in Aalborg - is making a significant impact on the company's Bluetooth solutions.
With 100,000 employees worldwide, the 70 Nokia employees in Aalborg might not look like much in the global enterprise. But the research, knowledge and foundation for product development that is created here in Aalborg, is making a huge impact.
The Growth of the Tech Industry in Aalborg
The growth of tech-related businesses and start-ups in Aalborg has been accelerating over the past few years. Some of the reasons are the supportive business environment, the skilled and tech-savvy workforce, and access to top-tier research facilities. Aalborg University, for example, is a leading research institution that has been instrumental in developing the region's tech ecosystem. This has led to the creation of cutting-edge technologies in areas such as 5G, green energy, automation, and transport. And the growth has attracted global companies to open an R&D hub in Aalborg.
Heavy on the patents
In Aalborg, you’ll find leading connectivity companies working on IoT solutions, 5G and 6G networks, and Edge Cloud solutions. Patent development is extremely important in this industry and is often what creates the foundation for later standardization within wireless network technology, which then sparks product development and the whole commercialization. The collaboration with the University in Aalborg means that the companies can go from test to product faster than the competitors – and often as part of a patent.
Leading in Engineering
Aalborg University (AAU) is the highest ranking in Denmark in computer science research both in terms of total number of publications, and in the number of publications among the 10% most cited publications within this research field (Mathematics and Computer Science, Leiden Ranking).
Among the world’s approximately 17,000 universities, AAU is placed in the most recognized rankings. The US News World Ranking places Aalborg as the best engineering university in Europe.
Educational Programs
The population in Aalborg grows each year and most of the new citizens are young people on their way to beginning their studies. But Aalborg is not just a place for academics. The city continues to cultivate its proud industrial roots, where the focus is also on a strong skilled and experienced vocational workforce.
R&D in Aalborg
One of the key reasons for Aalborg's success in providing top-ranked technical skills and world-class education is its focus on collaboration. The city has a strong network of partnerships between its educational institutions, research centers, and industry - enabling students and researchers to work alongside professionals in the field and gain real-world experience.
The research conducted at Aalborg University is recognized worldwide and the researchers working here are helping to solve the global climate challenges through dedicated research and innovative partnerships.
The university is regarded as one of the best engineering universities in the world - competing for the top spot with major institutions like MIT and Stanford.
