Nokia Siemens Networks signed a job creation agreement with Hungary’s government on Thursday.

Nokia Siemens Networks is spending HUF 2.7bn to expand its research base in Hungary. The investment, which will create 224 jobs for people with advanced degrees, is supported with a HUF 270m state grant.

The agreement was signed by National Development Ministry state secretary Pál Völner and Nokia Siemens Networks Kft managing director Robert Esik. It was countersigned by National Economy Minister Gyorgy Matolcsy.

Most of the new jobs at the research centre will be filled with participants in Nokia Siemens Networks’ scholarship program, Esik said. About 50 students participate in different research projects each semester under the program which involves 13 universities, he added.

Nokia Siemens Networks established its R&D centre in Budapest in 1998.