Keeping innovation alive at Microsoft

...may be used to search an audio clip for better indexing, giving a better search. So innovation may not come from just one area.

But with the competition, especially in the area of search technology, I'll say we have dedicated the most resources to… data-intensive computing and search advertising.

How do you manage your researchers? Do they have targets to meet?
Managing researchers comes with unique challenges. The most important discovery will usually be something that catches you by surprise.

We may put a lot of resources into one area, but we know that some time, somewhere, some kid will surprise us with the next big thing — hopefully, that kid will be at MSRA.

So every researcher should be given the opportunity to surprise. We need to give them freedom so that ideas can bear fruit.

Moreover, we know not every project can be successful. In fact, if you succeed every time, you fail, because it means you didn't take any risks. If you take every action knowing the outcome, that is not research, that is product development.

At the same time, Microsoft is a results-driven organisation. So I recommend that the risky projects, with no foreseeable outcome for the next year or two, be taken on by senior researchers — with the eventual responsibility of their project still belonging to them when the time comes, of course.

Junior researchers are encouraged to work on less risky projects, so that they can prove themselves and deliver results within a reasonable time.

Are there unique qualities to being in Asia for MSRA, compared to other Microsoft research facilities in the world?
I think the 21st century is an exciting time for research in Asia. We are transitioning from 'made in China' to 'innovated in China'.

Asia is full of smart and hardworking people, especially in science and technology, so talent-wise, it's a very rich research ground.

Also, because of Asia's growing population, it is just a matter of time before the market in the region becomes the biggest in the world. So it is very important for Asia to be at the centre of Microsoft's innovation strategy.

In fact, I believe the next wave of Microsoft's innovation will come from Asia.

As we move toward a knowledge-based economy, the growing of knowledge is a key success factor to maintain our edge for Asia's people.