Nokia has unveiled plans to establish an Open Innovation lab in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the primary goal of igniting regional innovation and expediting the integration of cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for network automation and optimization across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. This strategic initiative signals Nokia's unwavering commitment to enhancing its global collaborative efforts within the region.
The lab is poised to concentrate its efforts on three pivotal domains, offering substantial advantages to both network operators and businesses. Firstly, it seeks to spearhead innovation in the Cloud RAN space by collaborating with technology partners, including market leaders, and engaging with prominent hyperscale players. Nokia's innovative "anyRAN" approach is set to reshape Cloud RAN, enabling seamless coexistence with purpose-built RAN systems while maintaining consistent performance. This approach empowers operators and enterprises with unparalleled flexibility in selecting technology providers and operational environments, aligning with their desires for openness and efficiency.
The second critical focus area revolves around private wireless networks and industrial connectivity. The lab will serve as a showcase for pioneering Industry 4.0 use cases and industrial edge applications, all orchestrated on Nokia's widely acclaimed MX Industrial Edge (MXIE) platform. This will facilitate the acceleration of regional enterprises' transition to Industry 4.0.
Lastly, the lab is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing network intelligence by propelling the adoption of AI and ML solutions for network automation and optimization. Nokia's cutting-edge MantaRay solution portfolio, designed for intelligent network management and automation, will be prominently featured and put to use within this innovative laboratory.
Mikko Lavanti, senior vice president, mobile networks at Nokia, MEA, said: “We are excited to launch our Open Innovation Lab in MEA, reaffirming our commitment to drive innovation with our partners in key future technology areas. This collaboration will accelerate the adoption of new technologies in our region. We can help both operators and enterprises enhance network efficiency and performance as well as unlock new monetization opportunities.”