The Role Of Technology In Strengthening The Economy

Fred Humphries (Washington, DC) —

During last week’s State of the Union address, President Obama stated, “In America, innovation doesn’t just change our lives; it’s how we make a living.”

The President’s words are a great reminder about the role technology plays in strengthening the American economy. The end of 2010 showed an increase in consumer confidence, consumer spending, and an overall strong gross demestic product. And yet, Americans still list the economy as their number one concern.

As governments and businesses look for ways to create jobs and strengthen the U.S. economy, technology remains a bright spot in our economy by helping to drive innovation, job creation, and entrepreneurship.

Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Economy: A Conversation

Innovation, job creation, and entrepreneurism will be the focus of a new Microsoft-sponsored section of The Atlantic that will run from February 1-18 and feature a wealth of original articles and commentary from The Atlantic’s newsroom. This section will also feature video submissions about these themes from university students and thought leaders providing their own unique views on the economy and the future of the country.

Additionally, the site will feature an interactive online conversation with the public.

This isn’t only a digital conversation. On Wednesday, February 9th, this online conversation will take the form of a live studio event steps from the Capitol and the White House at the Newseum in Washington, DC. The event will also be webcast live. Discussions with key policymakers and thought leaders will be featured in the program. They include:

• Julius Genachowski, Chairman of the FCC
• Gene Sperling, Director of the National Economic Council
• Bob McDonnell, Governor of Virginia

Judy Woodruff, senior correspondent for the PBS Newshour, will moderate the morning’s discussion.

Technology Uniquely Strengthens the Economy and Has Wide Impact

Both online and off, we’ll explore critical topics such as America’s place in the global economy, technology and entrepreneurship, and the role of innovation in creating jobs and strengthening the economy.

For its part, Microsoft understands the powerful inpact that technology plays within our economy. Technology fosters entrepreneurship that in turn opens up unlimited opportunities. Technologcal innovation creates jobs. Technological breakthroughs have the power to change people’s lives for the better.

To learn more, visit The Atlantic’s special section on jobs and the economy, and to provide your own thoughts on these issues or to pose questions for participants in the live event on Feb. 9th, visit our online town hall site, Jobs & Economy.

Fred Humphries is the Vice President of U.S. Government Affairs for the Microsoft Corporation.

Pictures of Innovation and Thomas Edison used under Creative Commons. Picture of Julius Genachowski from Wikipedia.