Nokia said it confirmed that France will play a leading role in the combined entity's research and development operations. Nokia intends to leverage Alcatel-Lucent's existing capabilities in R&D and its strong talent base through worldwide technology centres located in France that will focus on 5G and small cells, cyber-security and privacy, Bell Labs, wireless transmission, optical transmission and IP platforms.
Nokia will invest further in the digital innovation ecosystem in France following completion of the transaction, primarily through the establishment of a long-term investment fund worth around EUR 100 million. This fund will mainly target the Internet of Things, cyber-security and software platform enablers for next-generation networks.
In addition, the company agreed to play an active role in the government's "Industry of the Future" program, funding academic tuition, programs and chairs, situating technology experts within France (such as within Bell Labs France), and continuing Alcatel-Lucent's involvement in major initiatives such as the 'Poles de competitivite' Systematic, Cap Digital, and Images and Reseaux. Nokia will also develop three industrial platforms and networks prototypes in France within the fields of 5G, Industrial Internet / Internet of Things connectivity and cyber-security.
As previously announced, Nokia has also committed to maintaining employment in France that is consistent with Alcatel-Lucent's Shift Plan commitments for a period of at least two years after completion of the merger. R&D capacity is planned to increase from 2,000 to 2,500 employees over the next three years, including the recruitment of at least 300 new graduates. The R&D employment level will be maintained for a period of at least four years after completion of the proposed transaction.
