Industries evolve as market conditions and resources change. Recent shifts have proven the need for technology to provide new jobs, play a role in the research and development of new products, and provide the infrastructure backbone for communities of the future.
Microsoft supports government organizations in strengthening their economies and positioning themselves for growth. Our programs focus on many of the issues concerning governments in this changing economic climate.
Innovation and 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 new opportunities and economic advancement. One example of our commitment in this area are the Microsoft Innovation Centers, global technology centres offering a comprehensive set of programs and services to foster innovation and grow sustainable local software economies.
Technology for development
Technology has changed the lives of people all over the world by making information readily available, connecting people effortlessly, and expanding global commerce and access. Microsoft is committed to extending these benefits to the billions of people worldwide who have not yet experienced the power of technology. Our programs in this area include Microsoft Partners in Learning, a global initiative that aims to increase access to technology and improve its use in learning, and the Microsoft Community Technology Skills Program, which has partnered with governments and nongovernment organizations to train millions of people every year in over 100 countries in the basics of digital literacy. In addition, Microsoft BizSpark is designed to help accelerate the success of entrepreneurs and early-stage startups globally with easy access to software development tools and network partners with an interest in new ventures.
Intellectual property incentives
Intellectual property (IP) laws provide incentives for innovation and creativity as well as enable innovators to share their creations more widely with the public. Such incentive systems foster a virtuous cycle of opportunity that is a foundation of a growing economy. Enforcement is a necessary element of IP incentive systems because it helps protect the rights of all innovators and perpetuates the beneficial cycle of innovation. Microsoft Intellectual Property Licensing offers technology licensing programs and other resources to help jump-start the efforts of software partners, hardware partners, startups, and entrepreneurs. IP Ventures, which extends and licenses Microsoft Research technology to entrepreneurs and companies to foster innovation and new product development. And, Microsoft's piracy work which helps to prevent the illegal duplication and distribution of software which has a significant impact on government economies.
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 such as schools, libraries, and hospitals. With a stronger infrastructure in place, more and more people can enjoy the benefits of technology. Microsoft Partnerships for Technology Access works to promote public private partnerships to extend digital benefits to people around the world.
Global technology market
The economic growth made possible by new technology should not be reserved to specific countries. We support barrier-free trade and investment, which allows all countries to share in the benefits of technology innovation. Countries that open their markets reap the gains in productivity, local innovation, and growth. They also attract foreign investment, encourage export industries, and improve the quality of life for their citizens. Microsoft has locations in many of the countries of the world.
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 utilised will strengthen local economies and make them more globally competitive.
