U.S. Ambassador Barrett and Intel Chairman Craig Barrett in Oulu

Innovator interviewed Barbara McConnell Barrett, the US Ambassador to Finland, when she visited Oulu in August with her husband Dr. Craig Barrett, Chairman of the Board of Intel Corporation. Mrs. Barrett, who is from Arizona, is a successful business executive and specializes in international business law. She is on the boards of numerous companies and organizations.

How do you see the role of Oulu in the global high tech industry?
Oulu has succeeded in establishing a climate in which innovation can prosper. On my recent stay in Oulu I learned from the community leadership, Oulu Innovation and other civic participants that Oulu works to nurture innovation and innovative solutions. What impressed me most were the technical minds that convene in Oulu and the ideas and products generated by those brilliant minds. Oulu has technical expertise and an unparalleled sense of design but the rest of the world doesn´t yet recognize how capable Oulu is. So the hard part is there: the educational excellence, innovation and product solutions. But Oulu´s excellence is a story not yet told.

In your opinion, where do you see that Oulu has special strengths? What are the challenges?
A world-class university, a talented workforce, thoughtful government, private support for research and development and a great place to live – are among Oulu´s strengths. Conversely, leaders in Oulu tell me that their key challenges are marketing, entrepreneurship, venture capital and a global mindset. The good news is that these challenges are much easier to conquer than the assets Oulu already has generated.

What should the high tech companies in Oulu do to improve their competitiveness globally?
First, preserve the design and technology assets already assembled in and around Oulu. Then, Oulu´s academic, governmental and private enterprises should work together to share lessons and resources where appropriate. Finally, consider investing additional educational resources in developing a cadre of marketing experts who would serve the Oulu area. In the short term, marketing and sales can be obtained by contract. On this, the United States could be a valued partner for Oulu. Imagine the benefits of joining Oulu´s research/design expertise with American entrepreneurship, marketing and global mindset! Working together the sky is the limit!