The Ubiquitous Computing (Ubicomp) Centre of Expertise programme, which was set up at the beginning of the year 2007, is based on structures and networks from the previous programme phase. The goal of the previous program phase was to generate regional growth, and now the theme is Inter regional development work based on business area clusters, which in turn continues to be based on regional strengths. The competence, networks and working methods created have enabled a good start to the new phase.
The vision of the Ubiquitous Computing (Ubicomp) cluster is that by the end of the programme period in 2013, Finland will be the global know-how leader in the development, commercialisation and capitalisation of embedded intelligence in human-centred, distributed, mobile and constructed environments.
Other participants in the Ubicomp Centre of Expertise are Tampere (responsible for coordinating the cluster from 2007–2010), Oulu (responsible for coordinating the cluster from 2011–2013), Jyväskylä, Uusimaa and Porvoo (associate member).
The strategic objectives of the Ubicomp cluster are:
• accelerating the use of IT in various areas of society
• speeding up IT development for global business
• supporting development of new technologies which incorporate business risks
The effectiveness of activities is measured by means of various criteria such as the amount of seed capital and investments, as well as company acquisitions and IPOs. Prizztech Oy is responsible for operations as part of the national network for Satakunta in spearhead and key technologies. Advanced technologies cover the entire region. Research in wearable technology is centred in North Satakunta, RFID competency in the Rauma area and mobile technologies in the Pori area.
Active roles can be found all around the Satakunta region’s strengths. With a broad technological focus, Satakunta’s competence in IT and electronics links a strong development phase to lively associated areas such as basic industries, maritime industries, magnet technology, digital culture research, media and movie production, energy and welfare. It is part of the role of the Satakunta Centre of Expertise to seek out, develop and commercialise innovations where different fields intersect together with other participants in the cluster.