Thanks to computing power, we are able to create sophisticated computer models and use it in a broad range of disciplines ranging from biology, cross energy/environment to healthcare and many, many other fields.

I was fortunate to attend Way Ahead, a discussion sponsored by Microsoft. The event brought together key scientists, representatives of EU institutions and the ICT industry to discuss Europe’s grand challenges and the enabling role ICT can play in finding solutions, faster. Craig Mundie, Chief Research and Strategy Officer in Microsoft delivered a keynote there. Craig talked about the ability of technology to help unlock scientific potential, but also brought some key issues to be solved.  What hit me most was his comment on the still huge gap between ICT professionals (computer scientists) and practitioners. He used examples of healthcare where technology today is more or less used as replacement of paper, but not as a tool which can bring significant breakthroughs in quality, effectiveness and efficiency. Click below to listen. 

PART 1


PART 2


PART 3

To me, computers today are playing the same role for our brains as machines were playing for our muscles in the industrial era. This is why I strongly believe that to fully use the potential of technology we need to improve e-skills across all levels of society. This will mean that we will be able to use the power of technology much more to address the big societal challenges, which in turn will improve the quality of our lives and create a more sustainable model for human kind.  To learn more about this, click here to download the INSEAD report.
 
On a related topic, Craig Mundie was also interviewed by my colleague Lisa Boch-Andersen the same day on the evolution of technology and cloud computing. Click here to see it.

Related Links:

Video blog: e-skills and the future of Europe

The mantra for Europe - academics/ business footprint

Big  ideas: Craig Mundie talks cloud computing

Chairman of Microsoft Europe: unlocking human potential

e-skills in Europe: expert opinions

Comments (0)

There are currently no comments, be the first to post one.

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

Enter the code shown above in the box below

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail