“Our goal with the Microsoft Innovation Day is to inspire people to get really excited about the possibilities of technology and innovation,” she said. “We will share emerging technologies with government leaders so they understand how critical innovation is to economic development, as well as how critical it is to individuals to use technology as a means to be economically independent. So it’s good for the individual, and it’s good for business.”

The events also serve as an avenue for businesses to interact with one another and find either unique partnerships or new technologies that can help their own business grow.

“It’s not all about Microsoft,” said Stern. “It’s about our partners and others and how they use technology to develop their own new things for their own businesses. You have to literally get the people together, figure out if there’s chemistry, figure out if there’s a business. You can’t do it by email. You know it’s best done with human to human interactions.”

As the demands of today’s job market become more tech-based, and leading companies must be consistently innovative, it serves the overall economy better if the majority of the workforce is competent with computers. These programs will help introduce career opportunities to those who perhaps never considered the technology sector a viable option.

“The first element of success for us is if we could see some student’s eyes light up and get on fire and walk out of there saying ‘this stuff is cool and I think I’d like to know more about this,’” said Stern. “Like many companies, Microsoft is really looking for brain power and curious minds, and that’s what innovation is all about.”

Microsoft has had a positive experience working in Chicago, because local governmental officials have helped facilitate the corporation’s interaction with the public, said Stern.

“We view Chicago as a location that’s important,” she said. “Innovation and collaboration are the keys to economic growth for all businesses.”

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