Samsung Opens European Innovation Centre In London

Samsung has opened its European innovation centre in London, citing the city’s established creative and knowledge economy as a reason for locating in the capital.

The centre, located in the Square Mile at Fleet Place, will house what the Korean manufacturer describes as a “world class team” that will come up with new designs, product ideas and software to influence the company’s range of electronics for consumers and businesses.

The centre forms part of a $10.8 billion global investment into research and development, with the company keen to expand its business as the smartphone market saturates in developed economies. The company recently told TechWeekEurope it plans a major push into the enterprise market next year and plans to use the centre to create technology to be a part of Europeans’ lives.

Samsung European Innovation Centre

“Samsung is committed to investments in new technology and design and is proud to expand our contributions to the UK community,” said SP Kim, President & CEO of Samsung Electronics Europe. “We recognise future trends demand ever-increasing integration of hardware and software and opening our European Innovation Centre in London is a strategic milestone in realising our ambitions to deliver rapid innovations that make technology available to everyone.”

Culture Secretary Maria Miller welcomed Samsung to the capital and says it is evidence of London’s growing stature as a tech hub.

“Samsung Electronics choosing London for their European Innovation Centre highlights our global reputation as a hub for the world’s creative economy,” she said. “This is great news for our economy and will help drive growth and jobs as well as strengthening the relationship between the UK and Korea.”

Prime Minister David Cameron has been busy promoting Tech City in East London over the last three years and earlier today welcomed the news that EE 4G has switched on a 300Mbps 4G network in the area, alongside a mentoring programme to help startups grow and compete on the global stage.

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