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5G leads business investment, though general wireless network security concerns remain high

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
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Businesses expect wireless technology investment to boost their productivity by 32% on average in the three years after implementation, but latent concerns remain around security and interoperability.

36% of respondents to a Panasonic Connect Europe survey say that 5G is the most important wireless technology investment for their business, with private campus networks more popular than public networks.

One in five (22%) view WiFi 6 as the most important type of wireless technology. A substantial upgrade over its predecessor, it offers faster connections and improved resilience for networks with a high connected device load. Interest in Bluetooth and Long-Range Wide Area Networks (LoRaWAN) were similarly high (21% respectively), as organisations seek the right technology for specialist applications in their own sectors, such as supply chain logistics and manufacturing.

Overall, there is rapid progress being made with investment in wireless technology, with 41% of decision makers having already made the decision to invest in wireless projects, or are in the planning process. An additional 38% of respondents are already at the implementation stage.

However, there are challenges to overcome, with 24% of those surveyed admitting to concerns around IT security, while 22% are worried about interoperability and connectivity issues with their existing IT infrastructure. One in five are troubled about the manageability of the wireless network technology and a similar percentage report a lack of confidence in IT resources, knowledge, and skills.

“This research highlights that this is a crucial period in wireless technology investment and decision making. The advent of 5G, the evolution of WiFi, and the innovation around Bluetooth and LoRaWAN are all driving the connected world in ways that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. Clearly, business leaders believe wireless connectivity presents enormous opportunities, but there are also challenges to overcome,” said Jan Kaempfer, Marketing Director for Panasonic Connect Europe.

“Businesses have a lack of internal expertise and resources and there is a role for technology providers to play in supporting organisations with expertise and education to instil greater confidence and plug some of the resource gaps. But overall, the picture for wireless is very positive, with a strong appetite for innovation and advanced deployment. At Panasonic Connect Europe, we’re committed to helping business leaders understand the dominant drivers for wireless technology investment, the key technologies and their applications, and how to overcome barriers.”

The survey, carried out by independent research company Opinion Matters and commissioned by Panasonic Connect Europe, questioned over 300 senior decision makers with responsibility for wireless and network technologies, across the UK, France, and Germany, in the following sectors: Retail; Logistics & Supply Chain; Manufacturing; Education; Location-based Media and Entertainment; and Public Sector and Emergency Services.

Photo by Frederik Lipfert on Unsplash

North East cyber and tech talent showcased to US investment delegation

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
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A delegation of international trade and investment experts are headed home to the US ready to spread the word about the North East and the investment opportunities in the technology sector that the region has to offer.

The Technology Sector Director for North America from the Department of Business and Trade (DBT) was in the region for two days to learn more about the strengths of the North East’s tech sector and the inward investment opportunities available. Also visiting North East England for an exclusive event in Newcastle, hosted by local robotics company Wootzano, were colleagues from Fresno County Economic Development Corporation based in California.

The visit included trips to some of the region’s science and technology parks and innovative digital assets, as well as meeting the region’s collaborative tech networks and specialists.

The itinerary began with a visit to NET Park where a roundtable discussion with local businesses and specialists for delegates learn first-hand why the region is a unique location for tech, science and space businesses. They were also given a tour of CPI’s formulation centre, which supports business and academics to develop innovative formulation technologies and products, as well as Orbit, a new business accommodation space hosted by Durham University.

The delegation also heard more about the phase 3 of the park, a £61m investment which will generate around £650m of GVA for the area.

Day two included a visit to Newcastle Helix, the 24-acre innovation district which hosts three National innovation Centres, including the National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) and National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA).  Meetings were held with Newcastle University, Dynamo North East and companies such as Arctic Wolf, a US Cyber Security specialist. Delegates also attended a lunch networking session hosted by Womble Bond Dickinson at its new office on Helix, with local tech experts discussing threats and opportunities in the trade and investment space.

Rachel Burdis, Inward Investment Manager at Invest North East England, said: ”It’s been great to be able to showcase the region and its finest. We have some real technology strengths and assets here, so we welcome the opportunity to promote them to our US colleagues and to equip them with a clear understanding that the region is a key location for this sector in the UK. We’re confident this will result in new inward investment activity and more quality jobs for our region.”

Sara Williams, NETPark Manager, said: “We were delighted to welcome the international delegation to NETPark, where we showcased our cutting-edge facilities, collaborative networks, and industry-leading support. This visit underlines our vision and growing reputation as a global hub for science, engineering, and technology firms, highlighting companies that integrate materials into high-impact, innovative products.”

Dawn Dunn, Digital and Tech Sector Lead at Invest Newcastle, part of NewcastleGateshead Initiative said: “Tech companies are increasingly aware that Newcastle has the people, place and purpose to accelerate their growth. The demand for data and computer scientists is unprecedented, and our ability to provide ‘skills for industry’ puts the region in a position of strength. Our links with the USA are integral to economic success, and we’re delighted to have hosted this visit.”

The North East is positioning itself as one of the most innovative and exciting technology clusters outside London for specific support networks and unique opportunities for the digital sector including unique semiconductors, data, AI, advanced instrumentation, and software development.