Strengthening Economies

Technology Empowers Economies

Technology fosters economic opportunity and creates jobs in all types of societies across the world. Microsoft partners with governments, businesses and citizens to nurture an environment where opportunity and growth can flourish.

  • Innovation & Research

    Innovation and research are central to economic growth and development. By promoting and supporting continuous innovation, including investments in research and development, we all benefit from the increased opportunities and economic advancement.

  • Technology for Development

    Technology can change lives and promote community development. Information technology has changed the lives of more than a billion people by making information more readily available, connecting people effortlessly, and expanding global commerce and access. We are committed to extending these benefits to the billions of people who have not yet experienced the true power of technology.

  • IP Incentives

    Intellectual property (IP) laws provide incentives for innovation and creativity as well as enable innovators to share their innovations more widely with the public. Such incentive systems foster a virtuous cycle of innovation and opportunity that is a foundation of growing economy. Enforcement is a necessary element of IP incentive systems because it helps protect the rights of all innovators and enables the benefits of innovation to be.

  • Technology Infrastructure

    Infrastructure that connects people and businesses is critical to economic growth and social improvement. Our work supports governments and communities in deploying fixed and wireless technology infrastructure, particularly broadband access for underserved populations, schools, libraries and hospitals, helping more and more people enjoy the benefits of technology to everyone.

  • Global IT Market

    The innovations and economic growth made possible by technology innovation should not be reserved to specific countries. We support barrier-free trade and investment, which allows all countries to share in the benefits of innovative technology. Countries that open their markets reap gains in productivity, local innovation and growth. They also attract foreign direct investment, encourage their own export industries, and improve the quality of life for their citizens.

  • Attracting Global Talent

    Microsoft, like most innovation-based companies, relies on its ability to attract and retain the world’s most skilled and talented workers. We believe government policies that let talented foreign-born individuals live and work where their skills can be best utilized will strengthen local economies and make them more globally competitive.

 
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Microsoft Local Impact

The Local Impact Map shows how Microsoft and its partners enable social and economic opportunity in communities everywhere.



Microsoft Public Policy Agenda

(PDF file, 220 KB)