NATO CoE in Oulu

Finland is poised to seize a groundbreaking opportunity with the establishment of a NATO Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Oulu.

Earlier this year, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham backed Finland’s potential as a hub for a NATO Centre of Excellence (CoE) focused on 6G, as well as edge and quantum computing. Oulu, with its powerhouse ICT cluster and expertise in dual-use technologies, stands at the forefront of this movement, ready to spearhead innovation on a local, national, and international scale.

Now is the moment for all stakeholders to rally behind this initiative and secure Finland’s place as a critical driver of technological breakthroughs by establishing the NATO CoE in Oulu.

NATO CoE Services

NATO CoEs deliver specialised services its member nations and partners, each focusing on a specific area of military or security expertise. These influential hubs, which fuel innovation across Europe, are not just advancing cutting-edge technologies—they are reshaping industries and driving economic growth.

Their offerings vary by focus, but typically include the following core services:

• Technical and Operational Support: Providing specialised technical or operational assistance in specific and focused technology areas, enhancing particular skills and expertise.
• Business and Innovation Development: Facilitating the commercialisation of innovations from the national SME sector by systematically organising, for example, presentation events for major defence 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: Organising 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, analysing 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 analysing lessons learned from operations and exercises, facilitating the dissemination of best practices and the standardisation of NATO procedures.
• Networking and Cooperation: Operating as international centres that promote cooperation between the armed forces of member countries, civilian organisations, research institutions, and the private sector.

Unlocking Impactful Dual-Use Solutions

Finland, and particularly Oulu, has established itself as a global leader in wireless technologies. The advancements developed in this northern hub are not only revolutionizing civilian connectivity but also transforming military operations by enabling real-time communication, autonomous defence systems, and instantaneous data exchange. As the 6G era approaches, the urgency for rapid technological innovation and the integration of dual-use applications has never been more critical.

Key technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) hold vast potential, driving everything from autonomous weaponry to advanced cyber warfare systems. Simultaneously, breakthroughs in edge and quantum computing are transitioning from theoretical concepts to reality, ensuring faster, more secure operations across both defence and industrial sectors.

The convergence of these technologies is unlocking unprecedented opportunities for Finnish SMEs to play a significant role in the defence industry, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical applications in sectors like healthcare, automotive, and smart cities.

Seize the Opportunity Now

Now is the moment to elevate Oulu’s NATO DIANA unit, under the leadership of the University of Oulu and VTT, solidifying its position as a global powerhouse for 6G research and advanced AI applications. Establishing a NATO CoE here would harness the full spectrum of Finland’s technological expertise, delivering a transformative impact on both national and international scales.

Oulu’s reputation as a technology leader—spanning wireless communications, edge computing, AI, and quantum processing—makes it the perfect site for driving dual-use digital innovations, already supported by NATO DIANA’s accelerator and test centre.

Additionally, local firms are primed to deepen their involvement in the defence sector, contributing cutting-edge innovations in AI and edge computing, while Oulu’s burgeoning quantum capabilities continue to gather momentum.

Oulu’s commitment to sharing startup costs with the state ensures readiness for the centre’s launch by 2027. Finland’s government must seize this pivotal opportunity and push forward with the CoE proposal in their next programme to reinforce national security, innovation, and global leadership.

Further reading

Helsingin Sanomat | 20.9.24
Teknikka & Talous | 19.9.24
Kaleva | 18.9.24 (behind paywall)
Helsingin Sanomat | 18.9.24 (behind paywall)

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