Technology Innovation

Microsoft Innovation

Innovation is the cornerstone of Microsoft's success, and central to our value in society. Our growth depends on developing new technologies, entering new geographic areas and product markets, and encouraging the use of our products and services. We attract top talent to our research facilities in countries around the world, including Canada, China, Denmark, England, Ireland, India, Israel, and the United States. Our broad reach allows us to work locally – addressing challenges and developing markets. We are investing $9.5 billion in research and development this year alone.

Supporting Innovation Worldwide

Microsoft supports innovation, research and development in communities the world over. We partner with governments, universities and schools, non-governmental organizations, and other companies to inspire and support the development of new technologies. Efforts include:

• Supporting technology and computing research facilities, through 110 Microsoft Innovation Centers in more than 40 countries.
• Inspiring thousands of technology students through an annual global competition named Microsoft Imagine Cup.
• Working with governments to develop online public services for their citizens through the Partnership for Technology Access.
• Increasing access to technology though our Local Language and Refurbished Computers program.

Our Forward-Looking Goals

• Continue investing more than 10 percent of revenue in research and innovation, broadly consistent with the $9.5 billion spent in 2009.
• Expand the number of Microsoft research labs to new locations, to meet new needs.
• Invest in technologies that will close the "digital gap" and give 1 billion additional people access to technology by 2015.
• Double the capacity of Microsoft Innovation Centers to reach 1 million people by 2012.
• Grow Microsoft Imagine Cup to include 15,000 student competitors by 2010.

Additional Resources

• Economic Impact of Microsoft Windows 7
• Unlimited Potential
• Microsoft Innovation Centers
• Innovation Days in Asia and Europe
• Microsoft Partnerships for Technology Access
• Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher Program
• Creative Commons Copyright Tool
• Microsoft Research
• Image Cup