Bill Gates challenges Gen Y - Can the Government do the same?
July 14, 2006
Following on a recent posting, we wanted to take a look at a commercial example of how Microsoft is engaging with Generation Y to have an impact. It seems that Microsoft sees Generation Y as change agents. There is much for the government to learn here.
As most people already know, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is world-renowned for its philanthropic work providing health care to underprivileged nations. Lesser known, is the fact that the foundation spends a lot of its resources on supporting education, and sponsoring the innovative youth. One such initiative is called the Imagine Cup. It is a worldwide competition for college students that give teams the task of creating technological innovations in the field of health care. This week the competition has just finished its last round of eliminations as students from all over the world prepare to compete for the top prize of $25,000. Current Gen-Y, college students have really stepped up to this challenge and are being inspired by the thought of helping to change the world. As one contestant says:
"I think that everybody here really hopes that they can make a significant impact, if not with this product that they're working on now maybe in something that they're working on in the future."
So the question for the Government at all levels becomes, what are we doing to nurture Generation Y in the same way as companies. Articles such as this show that the competition for Generation Y talent will be fierce; is the Government ready to battle for the hearts and more importantly the minds of this generation? If not, then how much change will happen?
Articles referenced:
Bill Gates Meets the 'Next' Bill Gates
Technology Competition Attracts Future Bill Gates' From Around the World
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