Policy Focus

Executive essays

Senior Microsoft EMEAexecutives give their account of key events and activities acrossthe region.

http://www.microsoft.com/emea/microsoftEMEAProfile/executiveEssays/default.mspx

Realising the potential of the information society ?theyear ahead

Around this time of year, it is worthreflecting on what continues to inspire those of us in the ICTindustry. Although I have worked in the technology sectorthroughout my career, I continue to be amazed by the advances madeby ICT each year.

Protecting children and letting them enjoy the fullbenefits of the Internet

For children across Europe today, theInternet offers educational, social and entertainment opportunitiesbeyond the expectation of previous generations. It hasrevolutionised the classroom and is one of the key means by whichchildren interact with technology. These new opportunities, at thesame time, bring new challenges in the form of dangers such asviewing inappropriate and illegal content and onlinebehaviour.

Catalysing change through research andinnovation

At the same time as Europe is lookingtowards the Lisbon goals - to make Europe the most competitiveknowledge-based economy by 2010 ?the continent is undergoing atransformation led by information and communication technology(ICT).

A year of EMEA milestones

In the past year I've visited nearly 40countries across Europe, Middle East and Africa, and I've beenconstantly impressed by the diversity and energy of our region.It's been an eventful, exciting and sometimes challenging period inEMEA, and for Microsoft. And one in which, together with ourpartners, we?ve embarked on some key initiatives to enable peopleand businesses throughout EMEA to realise their fullpotential.

Partnerships for innovation in the newEU

In the area of innovation, we share Europe?sgoal of increasing investment in research and development inEurope, for the benefit of Europe. In April we opened the EuropeanMicrosoft Innovation Centre in Aachen, Germany, to extend ourcollaborative applied R&D efforts in the EU.

Integrating citizenship in ourbusiness

At Microsoft we know that as we have grownto become a global industry leader, our responsibilities as acorporate citizen have grown in parallel. Business does not act ina vacuum, and recent years have seen a marked increase instakeholder expectations for corporate social responsibility (CSR)and, in particular, transparency in the way in which this is putinto practice.

Partners in Learning

Partners in Learning ? making digitalinclusion tangible and future-proof.

Ensuring safer computing forall

Ensuring a secure network environment is aclear policy goal under-pinning the drive to promote a knowledgeeconomy in the region. It is a goal which will require sustainedefforts by Industry and Governments alike.

E-Government: reaping the benefits of softwarechoice

At Microsoft, we are working with Governmentdepartments across EMEA to help develop or deliver new services, orto bring their services online.

Taking a tough stance on Spam

Achieving widespread digital integrity is acore objective for Microsoft. And this means halting the misuse andabuse of Information Technology, so that it can continue to act asan instrument for economic growth, effective communication andsocial cohesion.

20 Years in EMEA

This year Microsoft celebrates its 20thanniversary in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Jean-PhilippeCourtois, CEO Microsoft EMEA, reflects on how technology is helpingpeople across the region realise their potential.

Enabling Opportunity

The European Commission has designated 2003as the Year of People with Disabilities (EYPD). As part of ourongoing work in the accessibility arena, we are actively supportingthis initiative by partnering with public and private sectorentities to raise awareness about disability issues.