Value Network Analysis of Embedded Subscriber Identity Module in Machine to Machine Communication

SIM card technology has evolved in size and feature over the years. Now machine to machine communication has paved the way of embedded SIM (eSIM) integration into devices. This evolution of eSIM is still a little far off but might become essential sooner rather than later if the traffic, usage and new services of M2M booms. This thesis discusses the possible future scenarios and value networks of eSIM based M2M communication that will shape the ecosystem in the next 10 years time frame. Necessary background regarding SIM card evolution is discussed before going into the future scenario. The thesis also consists of studies on current cellular network structure, Internet of things and Machine-to-machine communication from various sources to understand both technical and business dynamics of these services. By the virtue of brainstorming sessions and expert interview from industry the basic trends and key uncertainties are refined to use as the basis of scenario planning. Also efforts have been made to identify the business roles and corresponding interested actors to take over these roles through value network configuration method. Four possible future scenarios are constructed according to Schoemaker's scenario planning method which explore possible changes in the M2M industry due to eSIM. The scenarios reflect the diverse interests of the involved stakeholders and their influence over the market. Value network configurations further investigate the different possible evolution paths to introduce scope for new business models. Analysis and results from this thesis can be a good indicator for future M2M and eSIM ecosystem

Valuing flexibility in the migration to flexible-grid networks

Increasing network demand is expected to put pressure on the available capacity in core networks. Flexible optical networking can now be installed to increase network capacity in light of future traffic demands. However, this technology is still in its infancy and might lack the full functionality that may appear within a few years. When replacing core network equipment, it is therefore important to make the right investment decision between upgrading toward flexible-grid or fixed-grid equipment. This paper researches various installation options using a techno-economic analysis, extended with real option insights, showing the impact of uncertainty and flexibility on the investment decision. By valuing the different options, a correct investment decision can be made

Techno-economic Analysis of 5G Local Area Access in Industrial Machine-to-Machine Communications

Billions of connected devices, new application requirements, deployment scenarios and business models are driving the evolution of the next generation 5G networks. 5G will be the key to tap into the business potential for 2020 and beyond. Industrial machine-to-machine (M2M) communications will have highly demanding connectivity requirements. These requirements will be vastly different depending on the specific use case and will require customized connectivity. This thesis builds possible future scenarios and value networks for 5G local area industrial M2M communications beyond 2020 with a 10 years time frame. The case of Industrial M2M communications is discussed by classifying the future requirements and the business potential, which is discussed using market statistics and forecasts from various sources. By diving into the ongoing research, the promising 5G technology enablers are explored with a possible 5G technical architecture. The theory of the methods used, scenario planning and value network configurations, is explained before formulating the future scenarios and value networks. Interviews with industry experts were organised to find the current situation of industrial internet, market trends and future uncertainties. This forms the basis for future scenarios and identifying most important roles and actors that take part in the value networks. The resulting four future scenarios indicate how the future of 5G M2M ecosystem will shape up and helps all stakeholders to plan and strategize. The resulting five value networks explore the actors, role distributions and value creation. The value networks are then mapped on to the scenarios, displaying the consistency of the results. These results can help identify the possibilities of value creation, new business models and market changes

Mobile Communications Industry Scenarios and Strategic Implications for Network Equipment Vendors

Mobile infrastructure markets have changed dramatically during the past years. The industry is experiencing a shift from traditional large-scale, hardware-driven system roll-outs to software and services -driven business models. Also, the telecommunications and internet worlds are colliding in both mobile infrastructure and services domains requiring established network equipment vendors and mobile operators to transform and adapt to the new business environment. This paper utilizes Schoemaker's scenario planning process to reveal critical uncertain elements shaping the future of the industry. Four possible scenarios representing different value systems between industry's key stakeholders are created. After this, five strategic options with differing risk and cost factors for established network equipment vendors are discussed in order to aid firm's strategic planning process. --

Envisioning 2050: climate change, aquaculture and fisheries in West Africa. Dakar, Senegal 14-16 April 2010

This report presents the activities and results of the workshop Envisioning 2050: Climate Change, Aquaculture and Fisheries in West Africa. The objectives of the workshop were to discuss critical issues and uncertainties faced by the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Ghana, Senegal and Mauritania, build sectoral scenarios for 2050 and discuss the implication of these scenarios in the context of climate change for the countries and the region