Spring 2017 / Issue 53
Spring 2017 / Issue 53
Analysis
Interview with Ljupco Georgiev, General Manager of Microsoft Macedonia and Kosovo
A Culture of Innovation Benefits All
With World Intellectual Prop-
erty (IP) Day coming up at the end
of April, tell us what IP means to
Microsoft?
Intellectual property (IP) is a stra-
tegic asset that provides significant
value to Microsoft and its customers
and partners. With an annual R&D
budget of over $11 billion, Microsoft
is among the top investors in inno-
vation worldwide. Our patents, copy-
rights, trademarks and trade secrets
result from our investments in devel-
oping innovative software, devices
and services that help over a billion
people and businesses throughout
the world realize their full poten-
tial. Microsoft’s worldwide portfolio
of over 35,000 issued patents is
consistently rated at the top of the
industry by experts. Windows and
Microsoft Office are arguably the two
most successful copyrighted works
in history.
We also strive to be a responsible
leader in the IP ecosystem by actively
engaging with governments, industry
and others in IP policy discussions,
with a focus on creating sustainable
environments for future innovation
and creativity. We are at the forefront
of a strong anti-piracy effort that both
educates and protects consumers
and targets the criminal organiza-
tions that are doing so much harm to
end-users and local economies.
In short, Microsoft’s heritage of
innovation is what enables us to
further our mission of empowering
every person and every organization
on the planet to achieve more
What are the biggest chal-
lenges related to increasing inno-
vation in this region?
As a leader in innovation and dig-
ital transformation from software
and mobile computing to quantum
computing and artificial intelligence
(AI), to virtual and augmented real-
ity, Microsoft is constantly making
efforts to introduce its customers
and partners to new technology and
all novelties that come with it. We
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also consider of a great significance the aim to encourage all companies and
individuals that focus on innovation.
It is really important to impact the revolution of people’s work, connection and
world experience. We see a good opportunity in expanding the possibilities of
computing and converged technologies and that’s why we invest so much in
research and development.
As a leader in IT, we believe that it’s important to support Macedonians to
develop their skills and talents to support the digital economy. There are numer-
ous benefits to this approach, among them building world-class talent. In Europe,
youth unemployment is double that among older generations. It is difficult to find
technologically-trained employees. As the economy becomes more and more
dependent on IT, it is very important to invest in the necessary programs for train-
ing and preparation of the IT workforce to be able to include as many people as
possible. It is very important for youth to graduate school literate and with good
tech knowledge.
I believe that the region’s economic growth could be encouraged by strength-
ening the advanced IT skills of the people; Microsoft helps that process.
How does Microsoft encourage others to experiment and innovate?
Microsoft is constantly developing innovative software, devices and services
that support a lot of individuals and businesses in realizing their full potential. We
actively work with governments and industries, the business community and civil
society to help create an environment that supports innovation and creativity. In
the last several years, Microsoft has entered into a lot of licensing agreements
to enable customers, partners and even competitors to use our innovation in
their businesses and work. Microsoft also takes part in many industry standards
bodies and contributes technology and know-how as well to all the organizations.
As an AmCham Board member, what role do you see for AmCham in
encouraging and supporting innovation among its member companies?
As a leading business organization, I believe AmCham shares our understand-
ing of the need to support education and especially tech skills development
among youth. Our common strategy should be focused on ensuring that tech-
nology continues to be a catalyst for growth and economic prosperity, not only
on business but also on a national level. But we know we cannot achieve this
alone, so we seek partners with whom to succeed in this endeavor; I firmly believe
AmCham is one such partner.
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