Takeaways from Navigator Program Session 2: Nokia’s Digital Edge

Participants heard from Nokia’s senior leaders, including Marc van der Weide, Head of Manufacturing, Supply and Development, and Bai Rui, Head of Enterprise Campus Edge in Greater China. The discussion was centered on real-world use cases and forward-looking strategies for digitalizing supply chain operations across manufacturing, logistics, and sourcing.

The evening also included valuable insights from Nokia’s ESG strategy and provided an open platform for Q&A, connecting young professionals with senior leaders and encouraging dynamic dialogue on navigating modern supply chain challenges.

• Resiliency Is Non-Negotiable
  In today’s uncertain landscape, resiliency across manufacturing, transportation, and sourcing is essential. Nokia emphasized regionalized production, dual sourcing, and AI-powered freight tracking as tools to future-proof operations against geopolitical shifts and supply disruptions.

• Industry 4.0 Is Driving Real Results
  Nokia’s “Conscious Factory” in Oulu, Finland, a World Economic Forum-recognized Industry 4.0 lighthouse, showcased how digital twins, flexible robotics, and private wireless networks are driving operational excellence. Benefits include faster prototype lead times, improved quality, and optimized shop floor layouts.

• Data-Driven, Predictive Supply Chains Are Here
  Nokia’s digital transformation model spans three horizons: optimizing current operations, building emerging capabilities, and innovating for the future. Key enablers include real-time inventory and pricing, autonomous warehousing, and predictive maintenance.

• Partnerships Make the Difference
  Strong collaboration with suppliers, transport providers, and tech vendors is central to Nokia’s success. Cultivating a resilient partner ecosystem ensures agility when responding to crises, whether pandemics or freight route conflicts.

• ESG and Digitalization Go Hand-in-Hand
  Nokia is integrating ESG into its supply chain transformation. From emissions reduction via IoT to enhanced worker safety through geofencing and video analytics, digital tools are helping meet sustainability and compliance goals.

• The Edge Is the Future
  As highlighted by Bai Rui, over 75% of data will soon be processed at the edge. Private wireless networks and edge computing are foundational to unlocking the full potential of Industry 4.0 across sectors, from aviation to logistics to energy.