Over the past 30 years, technology innovation and software advances have enhanced almost every aspect of our lives. We see the impact that the Internet and information technologies have on businesses, governments and society on a daily basis. But to ensure the continuation of innovation, we need to be sure that consumers, businesses and governments work together to foster a safe and legal digital world.

The Regional Innovation Forum 2005 is the first in a series of interactive roundtable discussions organized by BSA, focused on providing a platform for regional government officials and industry players to exchange views on promoting competitiveness through innovation.

This Forum brings together leading academics, policy researchers, legal experts, technical specialists and government officials from Asia, Europe and the United States to discuss the future of technology in Asia. The meeting will offer the region’s policy makers an opportunity to share their different perspectives and past experiences, as well as gain a deeper knowledge from recognized industry experts with regards to best practices in the development of IT strategies.

Fueled by a vibrant software sector growth, the IT sector is a proven engine for expanding economic opportunity. Each new innovation leads to more exciting products and applications. Directing growth toward a healthy economy needs to be a combined effort between industry and government as we – collectively – prepare for the challenges ahead.

Themes of the Regional Innovation Forum 2005

• Cultivating Competitiveness through Government Policy
  This discussion will focus on how public policy can help stimulate growth and competitiveness in the software and technology industry. The session will explore how governments can encourage market-competitive technological solutions and cultivate a diverse and robust IT landscape within their respective countries. Distinguished speakers will include representatives from independent research bodies, universities and government officials from the region.
  
  
• Enabling Innovation through Technology Standards
  When developing their IT strategies, governments should consider what factors motivate local and global companies to compete and innovate. Speakers will share first hand knowledge of how technology standards have encouraged competition and innovation for them in the past. Technical experts from industry, including international companies, local technical specialists and regional experts will lead this discussion.
  
  
• Spurring Industry Growth through Research and Development
  In trying to cultivate research and development, as well as innovation, governments are faced with countless challenges and obstacles. This discussion will focus on how a virtuous cycle of R&D and commercialization can be sustained through public and private sector investment in new technology research. Speakers will include prominent academics, researchers and legal experts from the region.