Ericsson highlights technology's role in reshaping global community

The event, which took place on March 2, was an opportunity for some of the world's most influential thinkers from various industries to gather to discuss a selection of diverse topics.

Kruse highlighted the essential role of ICT as a powerful global force to tackle global challenges related to a growing global population and the expansion of the world's cities.

Kruse went on to showcase how connectivity has changed communities, with a number of examples ranging from a small business owner in Rwanda, Africa - who expanded his reach to new customers and markets using mobile-broadband technology - to a teenager in Sweden who interacts with four media devices simultaneously to fulfill his media-consumption needs.

According to Kruse, the applications people use in different parts of the world vary, but the broad range on offer opens up new opportunities for everybody to be creative, establish new business models and reach out to more people.

"Today's digital natives have very high expectations, and an increased demand to be connected everywhere and at all times. Innovation and open minds will fuel the path to a Networked Society and the benefits it will bring to all of us," said Kruse. "People are using connectivity to create new services that my generation didn't think of," Kruse added.

The importance of mobile connectivity was further emphasized by Refugees United Co-founder Christopher Mikkelsen, who was also a speaker at the event.

"What we have been able to achieve as an organization through the power of connectivity is remarkable," Mikkelsen said. "In four short years we have been able to unite many people with displaced loved ones, and it's a perfect example of innovation, the human spirit and technology coming together to solve a critical humanitarian issue," Mikkelsen added.

Refugees United is an independent organization that has developed a mobile platform that helps displaced people reconnect with their families. Using connectivity, and with the help of partners such as Ericsson, this platform allows people to find with missing loved ones using mobile phones.