_{NATO Center of Excellence (CoE) – An Opportunity for Business and Administration}

The operations of NATO Centers of Excellence (CoE) should be seen as a highly potential opportunity for Finland from both an administrative and industrial perspective. Most European countries have a NATO CoE, and through these specialized units, governments and administrative forces have been able to gather and develop expertise, promote innovation, and effectively combine various resources. On the other hand, we have also seen significant industrial and business activity and development in connection with NATO CoEs. It is in the interest of all stakeholders to promote the establishment of a NATO CoE in Finland, leveraging existing strengths in dual-use technologies.

_{NATO CoE Services}

NATO CoEs offer a wide range of specialized services to member countries, partners, and NATO itself. Each center focuses on specific military or security topics, and the services offered vary according to their expertise. Generally, NATO CoEs provide the following services:

• Technical and Operational Support: Providing specialized technical or operational assistance in specific and focused technology areas, enhancing particular skills and expertise.
• Business and Innovation Development: Facilitating the commercialization of innovations from the national SME sector by systematically organizing, for example, presentation events for major defense sector players.
• Decision Support: Providing expert assistance and support to NATO decision-making bodies, helping shape strategic and operational decisions.
• Concept Development: Supporting the creation of new operational and strategic concepts, acting as testing grounds for innovative operational models, tactics, techniques, and procedures.
• Training and Exercises: Organizing training programs and exercises designed to improve the skills and readiness of member countries in specific and focused technology areas.
• Research and Analysis: Producing research alone and in collaboration, analyzing emerging threats, developing new concepts and innovations, and producing reports and publications to advance NATO operations and improve member countries’ readiness.
• Sharing Lessons and Experiences: Collecting and analyzing lessons learned from operations and exercises, facilitating the dissemination of best practices and the standardization of NATO procedures.
• Networking and Cooperation: Operating as international centers that promote cooperation between the armed forces of member countries, civilian organizations, research institutions, and the private sector.

_{Technological Strengths as the Basis for CoE}

Wireless communication technologies have been at the forefront of Finland’s technological development for decades. As we move towards the 6G era, intensive technological development and understanding of its application possibilities in various sectors, including defense technology use cases, are needed. Currently, Finland contributes significantly to 5G and 6G research and industry. It is clear that while 5G networks enable faster and more efficient communication in civilian applications, they are also essential in military communication, real-time information sharing, and the coordination of autonomous systems in defense. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), as well as edge computing expertise (EDGE), are defining technological development and initiatives in various application areas now and even more so in the future. From a dual-use technology perspective, AI is increasingly used in defense applications such as autonomous weapon systems, surveillance, cyber warfare, and decision support tools. Processing data close to the source (“at the edge”) reduces latency and bandwidth usage and creates security, resilience, and privacy, which is crucial for applications such as autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and operational applications in a dual-use context. The same AI technologies are also used in healthcare, smart city applications, logistics, and autonomous vehicles. This overlap allows the Finnish high-tech SME sector to be significantly more closely connected to defense industry projects than currently. Quantum computers are moving from theory to practical applications as technology companies and startups increase their investments. Cybersecurity, cryptography, and optimization lead the development focus of application areas. Quantum computers offer unprecedented opportunities in encryption, solving complex problems, and modeling. From a dual-use perspective, quantum computers can break current encryption methods, posing a significant security risk to both civilian and military communications. At the same time, quantum encryption could provide unprecedented security for sensitive data and communication.

_{Oulu is ready for CoE responsibility}

Oulu has built its technological expertise in both business operations and top research, focusing on wireless communication, edge computing, and AI expertise, as well as quantum processing applications, especially from cryptographic perspectives. Oulu already hosts NATO’s DIANA organization’s operational accelerator and testing center. The center’s profile is based on 6G technology, but it also has significant resources for broader digital dual-use solutions and innovation development, leveraging the expertise of the local ecosystem. Additionally, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham recommended earlier this year that Finland apply for a NATO CoE focused on 6G, edge computing, and quantum themes. Oulu is ready to build a dynamic and impactful unit by expanding the existing NATO DIANA unit and bringing in new elements and resources. The forefront of 6G research and development at the European level and even globally is in Oulu. Additionally, as part of 6G system change research, local researchers and companies are developing groundbreaking products for edge computing and advanced AI applications. Oulu has done international-level work in edge computing research and the development of industrial applications, and local companies are highly motivated to participate in the defense sector. In terms of quantum computing, Oulu’s focus is on cryptographic expertise, which is essential for secure communication in both civilian and military contexts. Additionally, hardware development related to quantum computing is also progressing in Oulu. The CoE’s operations are not limited to Oulu but benefit existing networks and combine the best national resources for maximum impact. Oulu proposes that Finland commits to applying for a NATO CoE with the aforementioned focus areas in the next government program and that the center starts its operations in 2027. Oulu commits to covering part of the startup costs together with the state.

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