Job Description

The Head of Research and Innovation – Technology Standards is responsible for shaping, leading, and advancing the organization’s research and innovation agenda within global technology standards ecosystems. The role ensures that long‑term research and innovation investments are translated into strategic influence, competitive advantage, and intellectual leadership across relevant standards bodies.

This role acts as a bridge between advanced research, standardization strategy and business priorities, ensuring the organization is positioned as a thought leader and agenda‑setter in future technologies.

Research & Innovation Management

• Translate research outcomes into standards‑relevant contributions, positions, and proposals.
• Lead and guide advanced research programs related to standardization (e.g., next‑generation networks, AI, platforms, interoperability, sustainability, security).
• Prioritize innovation investments that strengthen standards leadership, essential patents, and ecosystem influence.
• Foster a culture of research excellence, experimentation, and innovation across the teams.

Standards Influence & Ecosystem Engagement

• Drive strategic participation and leadership in international standards bodies and forums
• Represent the organization as a recognized expert and thought leader in standards‑related research and innovation discussions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with industry peers, academia, regulators, and research institutions.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with rest of Nokia and within Technology Standards, particularly with Strategy & Product Management, Patenting and Licensing to align research and standards activities with commercial objectives.
• Support patent and IP strategies by ensuring research outputs are standards‑relevant and defensible.

People & Capability Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing, multidisciplinary research and standards team.
• Attract top talent and strengthen organizational capabilities in standards‑driven research and innovation.
• Promote diversity of thought, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Key Accountabilities

• Quality, impact, and relevance of research contributions to standards and Nokia patent portfolio
• Strategic influence in key standards organizations
• Strength of innovation pipeline
• External recognition as a technology and standards leader
  
  

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD preferred) in engineering, computer science, or a related technology field.
• Extensive experience in technology research, innovation leadership, and standardization.
• Proven track record of influencing or leading work in global standards bodies.
• Strong understanding of intellectual property, patent strategy, and standards‑essential technologies.
• Experience leading senior experts and cross‑functional, global teams.

Key Competencies

• Strategic and systems thinking
• Deep technical credibility
• External influence and negotiation
• Innovation leadership
• Stakeholder management at executive and industry level
• Ability to connect long‑term research with business impact

Success Measures

• Measurable influence on future standards and architectures
• Strong pipeline of standards‑aligned innovations and patents
• Recognition of the organization as a trusted thought leader
• Effective integration of research outcomes into business strategy

Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

Learn more about life at Nokia

Our recruitment process

We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.

If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.

The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia