Research, Development and Innovation in ICT: View from the Industry
Gordana Kovačević
Ericsson Nikola Tesla, Croatia, President and managing director
Abstract:
Information and communications technology (ICT) as the most growing sector in global economy enables many other areas/industries to grow and ensure creation of new innovative solutions. We are entering an amazing Networked Society where everything that can benefit from being connected is connected. That means all people in all places, but all type of connecting things as well. From technology point of view growth of connected devices puts new demands on connectivity, like broadband access availability and mobility support. An overall device connectivity enforce new areas in information processing capability like cloud computing. In the networked society, connectivity is the starting point for new ways of innovating, collaborating and socializing. It’s about creating freedom, empowerment and opportunity that further transforms industries, societies and people lives. It is very challenging area with very fast service creation and new very dynamic development processes. The product life-cycle is very short and requires continuous innovation to have market presence.
Ericsson Nikola Tesla is a reputable member of Ericsson Corporation and a prominent business partner to many companies in Croatia and in its export markets. The company is focused on creating innovative ICT products, solutions and services, which improve people’s lives, creating new value for business and social community. The company’s good image in the corporation has been confirmed by the continuous growth of responsibilities gained within the Ericsson Group. It is involved in corporate projects that span over 140 markets in the world as a pool of research and development experts and as a competence center in other ICT segments. Research and development with continuous innovativeness have very important role in this dynamic environment. Innovativeness in all segments of business activities and exploring synergies between different industry sectors must be incorporated in daily activities of all employees. Well educated and expert staff, close cooperation with academic, scientific and education communities are prerequisites for the competitiveness and a long-term sustainable development.
Biography
Gordana Kovačević took up the office of the president and managing director of Ericsson Nikola Tesla on January 1, 2005. She is also a member of the management team of the Market Unit Central Europe that comprises eight European countries (Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria).
She received her B.Sc. and M. Sc. degrees in Telecommunications and Informatics at the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Electrical Engineering & Computing Science. She started her professional career at Nikola Tesla; as an expert she was responsible for complex telecommunications projects in local and foreign markets, and later she occupied various managerial positions.
When Nikola Tesla joined the Ericsson Corporation in 1995, Gordana Kovačević took up the offices of Vice President of Ericsson Nikola Tesla and Vice President of Ericsson’s Market Unit Central Europe. At the same time she was Director of Customer Solutions, Services, Logistics and E-Systems unit at Ericsson Nikola Tesla.
In 2001 she enrolled in the Executive Program (Columbia University – Graduate School of Business), a program intended for high ranking officials in the Ericsson Corporation.
Throughout her career she was repeatedly recognized for her achievements and received a number of awards.
