Voices for Innovation reminder
I really encourage Microsoft partners in Australia to sign up as members of the Voices for Innovation (VfI) community. It’s free, takes a few seconds yet can connect you with a global group of like-minded professionals, often within the Microsoft partner base. Locally our citizenship & partner teams have begun connecting VfI with the wider stakeholders in the local IT economy including government officials and the community will the opportunity to provide direct feedback into various policy making bodies as the initiative evolves.
From a recent communication we sent out, here is a more detailed description:
“Voices for Innovation (VFI) is a global community of technology professionals, business leaders, and academics dedicated to advancing business opportunities and to supporting public policies that promote choice and an environment that encourages business success and growth within the technology industry. VFI works to educate leaders and elected officials about new technologies’ positive impact on global economies—and advocates for policy change where necessary.
Education, healthcare, innovation, the environment, the digital economy are all key policy issues at the heart of the political agenda for governments - local, state and federal. This means that the Australian technology industry will be affected by decisions made by government in areas such a procurement, privacy, technology standards, infrastructure, interoperability, intellectual property and accessibility to name a few. Given their role as both policy maker and the largest purchasers of ICT in the country, it is essential for government to remain informed and advised on the progress of technology and its contribution to business development, job creation, education, and government services.
Microsoft Australia regularly engages with governments, academics, thought leaders and regulators on policy development and would welcome your input. We want to have a complete picture of how regulation and legislation will affect our industry, but importantly how the technology industry can assist government in promoting choice, innovation and economic development.
Voices for Innovation (VFI) is one way for you to get engaged, keep informed and to connect with other members of the industry on issues of shared interest. With the support of Microsoft, VFI members educate thought leaders and elected officials about new technologies and the positive impact they have on global economies and jobs. By participating in VFI, members raise the profile of their company, learn from tech leaders and help win policies that are beneficial for our industry. Our members include Microsoft Partners, customers, software developers, consumers, vendors, suppliers, shareholders, user groups, academics and others.
Sign up today to Voices for Innovation at www.voicesforinnovation.org and have your say. “