Growth is the target by Tomas GabinusSometimes you feel that everything is exactly right, I am a sailor and I know the feeling – with a first-class crew, speed and pointing abilities, nothing can stop the boat from winning. You probably know the feeling even if you are not a sailor. Telematics Valley and Göteborg currently have that feeling and the striking position that goes with it, even though the market is quite sluggish at the moment. We are now positioning ourselves for a market turnaround. But we will not succeed without your support. We need all the support we can get from all involved actors in Sweden. We have a golden opportunity; let’s agree not to miss out.In this chronicle I will continue to refer to Telematics, so first; what is it? Telematics is pretty much as easy to describe as Internet, that is, not easy at all. But in short it is about remote control, remote diagnostics, downloading and positioning. The involved technologies are GSM, AMPS D-AMPS, Mobitex, GPS, data networks in vehicles etc. In Göteborg we focus on vehicle telematics. Examples of usage for telematics are: • download a map to a car • automatically find out where trucks are and to send orders • change the carburator and ignition settings, ”download” horse power when you need them • analyse and perform remote diagnosis • change service intervals depending on how the vehicle is being used • send automatic messages when a car crash occurs Right now they are showing television series in Sweden called the Big Blue by BBC, in these programs you learn that life in the sea is mainly being created in the borderlines; borders between cold and warm, borders between current and no current, borders between land and sea. This has a direct bearing to economy growth and innovations. Göteborg and it’s companies on the west coast of Sweden large centres for mobile data development from Ericsson with packet switched networks in the front and for developing cars with Volvo and Saab headquarters and main assembly plants. Göteborg is in the borderline between these industries, and, in the borderline, new companies are emerging. Both the Car Industry and the Telecom Industry need to reinvent themselves in order to maintain market share and continue growth. Stocks and profits are plunging. They clearly need to act sooner or later; the question is not if, but when. The opportunities are there, it is up to you and the industry to pick them. The opportunities with the emerging technology market of telematics are manifold. Today we should focus more on the costs of solutions and the business models so that the end-user experiences’ clear value. That is; how to market bundles of applications and vehicles and how to collaborate between involved actors, i.e. telecom operators and the vehicle industry. Telematics is not a large business; quite the opposite is true - it is quite small, today. But it is interesting. Telematics contains a massive amount of technology, wireless, networks, positioning and the market potential is substantial. Some 47 million vehicles are made every year. Currently, the largest market within telematics is services for the professional users, large vehicles – trucks dominate. Göteborg is well positioned with abundant technology, knowledge and interesting companies. Please visit our homepage and have a look for yourself. There are some very advanced and demanding companies in Göteborg with Volvo, Saab, Schenker etc i Göteborg that clearly drive the market. One year ago Telematics Valley was created in Göteborg. It is an interest organisation with the purpose of helping companies and the region to develop through collaboration. The selection of Göteborg was obvious to all involved actors because of the strong concentration of companies and competencies. A cluster was born and the response has been tremendous. The growth of members this year has been strong and includes companies like Ericsson, Saab, Volvo, HP, IBM and now, last but not least, DaimlerChrysler. We have 61 members with strong support by Business Region Göteborg, Västra Götalandsregionen, Invest in Sweden Agency and many others. At the same time we have managed to get the worlds, or rather the telematics worlds, eyes on us. We have attracted one of the leading conference organizers that helped us carry through a conference at Svenska Mässan – Telematics Systems 2002- with no less that 270 delegates out of which 80% from the rest of the world. In addition, we were profiled on the cover of Forbes, October 28th Global edition. In order for us in the Göteborg region to maintain our position and to develop the cluster that we have, there needs to be more actors involved, more than the one’s currently involved in Telematics Valley. One such actor that is considering how they can support the area is Lindholmen Science Park and we look forward to collaborating with this giant infrastructure project. But Göteborg, in an international perspective, is rather small and in the periphery. In order to make the cluster grow we need to persuade the German, French and English nations to put their development and resources into this area. Therefore, we need more detailed and dedicated support and commitment from; • Academia • The Private Sector • Region and Municipalities Telematics Valley is currently underway of planning a test-bed for Telematics in Göteborg. Help us, get in touch with us, talk telematics and support us in what we are doing. We have an enormous opportunity when this small business grows and becomes a full-grown industry. You can start by visiting our home page. Become a member of the discussion forum (open forum) and give us feedback on our thoughts. Remember, YOU might be working with telematics in the future! Link: www.telematicsvalley.org Facts Telematik = Telematics refers to any kind of vehicle service intended to promote safety, productivity, mobility and convenience, which relies on a wireless communication link and often includes a positioning system. The definition is intended for Telematics used in vehicles. Telematics Valley - 61 Members, 8 partners - Started August 2001 - Approximately 940 people are involved in developing telematics in the Göteborg area - Website: www.telematicsvalley.org - Executive Director tomas.gabinus@telematicsvalley.org - Chairman, kent-eric.lang@telematicsvalley.org
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