Question:
Through the successes of GSM* (Global System for Mobile Communications) northern Europe is now playing a central role in the cellphone market. What kind of future do you see for communications businesses in northern Europe?

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* One of the wireless communications systems used for digital cellphones. GSM is used in over 100 countries in Europe and Asia, and has become the global standard for cellphones.

This is extremely hard to predict. As you know, in northern Europe we have ERICSSON, the leader in cellphone base stations, and NOKIA, the leader in hand-held devices. These two companies will certainly continue to play a leading role in their fields. In addition to ERICSSON and NOKIA, many American companies such as Intel, Sun, and Microsoft are setting up shop in Kista Science Park, and turning it into an important wireless communications development center. I'm sure that the synergy between these companies will continue to have a big impact on the world market from now on.

Question:
Among the many business centers all over the world, Kista Science Park is often mentioned as one of the success stories. How do you account for its success?

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There are many reasons, but the biggest reason is that most of the many excellent companies that come here all occupy complementary niches. In particular, our science park is home to companies that focus on cellphones, wireless communications, and the internet. And there are two reasons why this science park is so attractive to these companies. The first reason is that we have an environment that ensures we can keep the best people. For example, if someone decides to leave ERICSSON, they can easily move to a different company within Kista Science Park; this ability to exchange human resources is rather progressive. Also, the fact that we have a large university is another plus that allows us to lure excellent individuals. The second reason is that we have a good mix of both large and small companies who are able to coexist and cooperate very well. As an example, a large systems integrator could easily jump start a project by working with a with a small, dynamic company nearby. As managing director of the Kista Science Park, I encourage tenants to form these cooperative relationships, give advice to other individuals and companies coming here for the first time, and to generally create an environment where we all help one another.


Kista Science Park