Microsoft Local Software Economy
The Microsoft Local Software Economy (LSE) Initiative is a catalyst in the creation of vibrant national software economies, working with local communities to accelerate innovation in the Information and communications technology (ICT) industry and create job opportunities that foster socioeconomic growth.
ICT has become a primary driver of economic growth around the world, giving rise to the 21st-century knowledge economy. Government policymakers, business leaders and educators in most countries recognize that empowering citizens with ICT skills and nurturing strong local software economies are crucial to creating social opportunity, economic growth and the ability to compete effectively in global markets.
Local Software Economy teams in more than 60 countries work closely with local stakeholders to foster strong, self-sustaining software ecosystems that advance countries’ overall economic health. Key Local Software Economy priorities include the following:
- Supporting government programs that encourage entrepreneurial growth in the ICT industry
- Cultivating local communities of qualified IT product and service providers
- Strengthening the competencies of local software developers
- Providing college students with training and work experiences that boost their employability
- Helping new businesses overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities
Microsoft’s partnerships in the software ecosystem are integral to fulfilling these Local Software Economy objectives.
- Nearly 90% of Microsoft revenue is generated through this network of partners—most of which are small, innovative companies that hire locally and contribute to their country’s GDP.
- For every $1 in revenue that Microsoft earns, local businesses realize between $6 and $19 in revenue.
- Through this ecosystem of partners, we help people build skills, get jobs, create new businesses and expand their existing businesses.
Venture Capital and Startup Engagement
IP Ventures
Imagine Cup and Innovation Accelerator
Microsoft Innovation Centers (MICs)
Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Royalty Licensing
Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Quality Assurance
Interoperability Labs
Industry Clusters
Job Enablement Programs
Venture Capital and Startup Engagement:
- We help software startups succeed by connecting them with potential investors in the venture capital community and helping them to identify partnership opportunities with Microsoft.
- Startups gain access to regional and corporate contacts that can help them engage with Microsoft on potential areas for collaboration, as well as tap into additional technical and marketing resources.
IP Ventures:
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This program helps entrepreneurs, startups and corporations to license leading-edge Microsoft technologies. These technologies have the potential for fast commercialization and a quick return on investment, whether by addressing a specific need in an existing market or giving rise to an entirely new product category.
Imagine Cup:
Microsoft Innovation Centers (MICs):
Our network of 110 Microsoft Innovation Centers serves 100 communities in 60 nations. MICs provide access to world-class resources for software developers, IT professionals, students, academic researchers and entrepreneurs. MICs focus on:
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Building skills and intellectual capital through training courses, employment programs and mentoring experiences.
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Fostering industry partnerships through programs that help companies to work more successfully with Microsoft, as well as through the cultivation of local and regional industry alliances.
To learn more about MICs read the related LSE Case Study.
Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Royalty Licensing:
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This software licensing program helps ISV partners worldwide to more easily combine Microsoft technology with their own business software applications for commercial distribution.
Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Quality Assurance:
Interoperability Labs:
Industry Clusters:
Job Enablement Programs:
