Creating an Environment for Innovation
Brad Smith (Microsoft Corporation)
CSE Distinguished Lecture Series - co-sponsored with the UW School of Law
Tuesday, October 30, 2012, 3:30 PM
Atrium, Paul G. Allen Center for Computer Science & Engineering
Abstract
There is an opportunity for continued and sustained leadership in technology by both Washington State and, more broadly, the United States. We are at an inflection point, however, that requires that the public and private sectors come together to make the key decisions needed to embrace this opportunity and enable computer scientists and engineers to continue to innovate. Microsoft's innovation is supported by a focus on education and immigration policies and privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property law, all of which need to transform to keep up with new trends in technology.
Bio:
Brad Smith is Microsoft's General Counsel and Executive Vice President for Legal and Corporate Affairs - responsible for the company's legal work, its intellectual property portfolio and patent licensing business, and its government affairs and philanthropic work.
Since becoming general counsel in 2002, Smith has overseen numerous negotiations leading to competition law and intellectual property agreements with governments around the world and with companies across the IT sector. He also serves as Microsoft's senior executive responsible for the company's corporate citizenship across the globe and recently announced a new multi-billion dollar, companywide commitment to creating opportunities for 300 million youth around the world. Here in Washington State, he has served as chair of the Washington Roundtable, a leading business organization. In 2010 he chaired for Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire her Higher Education Funding Task Force.
Before joining Microsoft in 1993, Smith was a partner at Covington & Burling, having worked in the firm's Washington, D.C., and London offices. He graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University and received his law degree at the Columbia University School of Law. He also studied international law and economics at the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva, Switzerland.
Photographs
Photographs of the event here.