Nokia, in collaboration with GlobalData, has released the 2025 Industrial Digitalization Report, revealing that industrial enterprises are rapidly realizing strong returns from on-premise edge and private wireless network deployments.
According to the study, 87 percent of adopters achieved return on investment (ROI) within just one year, while enabling AI-driven use cases that drive efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Cost Savings and Efficiency Gains
The research, based on insights from 115 industrial enterprises across manufacturing, energy, logistics, mining, and transportation sectors in Australia, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US, highlights significant cost benefits.
81 percent of companies reported lower setup costs, with over half saving more than 11 percent.
86 percent reduced ongoing operational costs, with 60 percent saving at least 11 percent.
AI and Edge Transform Industrial Operations
The report shows that 94 percent of enterprises deployed on-premise edge with private wireless, enabling secure, low-latency connectivity and pervasive sensor coverage in complex environments. This combination supports AI-driven solutions such as:
Predictive maintenance
Real-time monitoring
Digital twins
Over 70 percent of companies have already implemented such AI-driven use cases to boost productivity and operational resilience.
BASF Antwerp: A Case Study in Private Wireless Success
BASF, the global chemical leader, has deployed Nokia private wireless at its six-square-kilometer Antwerp facility. The network supports AI-enabled monitoring, predictive maintenance, automation, and safety applications, while reducing environmental impact.
“Private 5G has been a game changer for BASF Antwerp, unlocking automation, strengthening safety, and achieving ROI in just two years,” said Steven Werbrouck, Expert Network Connectivity at BASF.
Sustainability and Safety Benefits
The report underlines how private wireless networks contribute to sustainability goals:
94 percent of enterprises cut carbon emissions, with 41 percent reducing them by more than 20 percent.
89 percent achieved energy savings through connected devices, predictive maintenance, and drone-based monitoring.
Worker safety is also improving, with 71 percent of enterprises adopting connected worker technologies such as automated alarms, geofencing, and AI-assisted monitoring to reduce accidents, minimize errors, and enhance on-site efficiency.
Cybersecurity as a Key Driver
57 percent of surveyed enterprises identified cybersecurity as a primary reason for deploying Industrial Edge with private wireless. These networks offer built-in encryption, physical separation, and zero-trust compatibility — critical for mission-critical infrastructure and compliance.
Market Outlook: Private Wireless Set to Double by 2027
GlobalData forecasts the global private wireless market to nearly double to US$8 billion by 2027. This growth reflects industries’ increasing need to modernize in line with global efficiency and sustainability targets.
“Private wireless and on-premise edge deliver measurable improvements in cost reduction, productivity, safety, and sustainability — while creating a foundation for AI-driven transformation,” said Gary Barton, Research Director at GlobalData.