Nokia to Close R&D Center in Hangzhou, Affecting 1,600 Jobs

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Quick answer
Nokia will close its R&D center in Hangzhou, eliminating about 1,600 jobs in China. The decision stems from operational optimization and reduced business activity in the region, where Nokia's workforce has declined from…
Finnish telecom giant Nokia has announced plans to close its research and development center in the Chinese city of Hangzhou, potentially affecting around 1,600 employees. The company is also reviewing possible structural changes to its offices in Beijing, Chengdu, Qingdao, and Shanghai.
A Nokia spokesperson confirmed that the company is aligning its operations in China with its global business model. This follows years of declining business activity in the region. According to sources, Nokia's workforce in China has shrunk from 13,700 employees in 2020 to just 7,200 in 2025. For comparison, the company's global headcount declined from 92,000 to 78,000 during the same period.
The decision to close the Hangzhou center reflects Nokia's strategy to optimize costs and reallocate resources amid shifting telecommunications market dynamics. The company continues to adapt to new challenges while focusing on key growth areas.
Common questions
- Why is Nokia closing its R&D center in Hangzhou?
- Nokia is aligning its Chinese operations with its global business model to optimize costs and adapt to declining market demand in the region.
- How many jobs will be lost due to the Hangzhou center closure?
- Approximately 1,600 employees at the Hangzhou R&D center are expected to be affected by the closure.
- How has Nokia's workforce in China changed in recent years?
- Nokia's China workforce has decreased from 13,700 in 2020 to 7,200 in 2025, reflecting reduced business activity and restructuring efforts.
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