EU Growth and Innovation Day

Growth and Innovation Day: Q&A with John Vassallo

John Vassallo, Associate General Counsel, recently joined Microsoft to the lead the company’s EU Corporate Affairs and Regulatory team. John has brought a wealth of business, legal and diplomatic experience to the role, having served as Ambassador of Malta to the European Union, NATO and Belgium, where he successfully prepared Malta's accession to the EU and NATO. Prior to Microsoft, he led the European Affairs office and Benelux and Malta business units for General Electric. He met with the EMEA Press Centre to talk through his perspective on innovation in Europe, and his hopes for Growth and Innovation Day.

EPC: What is Microsoft’s perspective on the current economic context?

There’s no doubt that the current economic situation presents difficult challenges for businesses of all kinds, in every industry. But we continue to be optimistic about longer-term global economic prospects. We believe that investment in innovation will be a key industry for all markets and will help businesses address and minimise the impact of the economic downturn. Thoughtful spending that fosters innovation should figure prominently in every economic recovery package and in every business plan. It will help drive productivity gains and will serve as the catalyst for the creations of new businesses that are the source of new jobs.

EPC: How should Europe prioritise this investment in innovation?

Investing in innovation is fundamentally about investing in people. It is people who turn new ideas into products and services that solve old problems and meet new needs. In today’s knowledge-driven world, innovation depends on people who are technically sophisticated, have strong critical thinking skills, and possess solid knowledge of math and science.

EPC: Does Europe still have the potential to be one of the most innovative regions in the world?

Much of the thinking so far has been short-term, reacting to the immediate financial crisis or industrial dislocation. Saving jobs is essential, but so is creating new jobs. The purpose of our discussions today is that, while debating the various rescue plans, our political leaders also give thought to the longer-term question of how, in this global knowledge economy, we create and distribute value, and how we can sustain economic growth.

EPC: What is the role and purpose of Growth and Innovation Day?

Today marks the fifth annual Growth and Innovation Day, and is based on the theme “ICT enabling today’s and tomorrow’s economy in Europe”. The day is designed to stimulate discussion, dialogue, and hopefully action on defining how technology will define the future of healthcare, online safety, intellectual property and gaming in Europe. It is now firmly established as one of the key dates in the Brussels diary, drawing attendees from the EU institutions and the international media. This year we are proudly welcoming the contribution from European Commissioner Viviane Reding, responsible for Information Society and Media, and Alexandr Vondra, Czech Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs, among a rich array of speakers and delegates.

EPC: What is your one call to action for the politicians and representatives gathering for Growth and Innovation Day?

Europe needs to encourage, not hamper, innovation. And money counts. The U.S. stimulus plan will likely include funding for such innovative activities as e-health systems, educational networks and energy research. EU leaders also have a stimulus plan. If a sizable portion of that money and effort goes toward long-term, sustainable innovation, it could endow Europe with a bright future.

Blast Media: Growth and Innovation Day

Interview with Jan Muehlfeit, Chairman for Europe
At Microsoft’s Innovation Day, Jan Muehlfeit, Chairman of Europe for Microsoft, sat down with Jennifer Schenker from Informilo to discuss how ICT is enabling today’s and tomorrow’s economy in the region. The interview looks at how innovation in technology will define the future of healthcare, online safety, intellectual property and gaming in Europe. Jan discusses the company’s goals around these topics and its commitment to ensuring innovation in the current economic climate.