Microsoft spent US$3.8b last year on R&D. It plans to spend even more this year
COMPANIES worldwide should continue to increase their spending in technology research despite the tough economic environment, says Microsoft chairman Bill Gates.
Emphasising the long term economic and social value of technology research, Mr Gates told analysts and journalists at a conference last week that Microsoft's own investment in basic research in the last 10 years had paid off beyond its highest expectations.
'It's very interesting at this time that a lot of people are questioning research, thinking about cutting back, and so it's particularly fitting for us to stand here today and say that research has more than paid off for us,' he said. 'We're continuing to increase that investment, even as the economy goes through its ups and downs here in the next several years.'
Between Microsoft's basic research arm, Microsoft Research (MSR), and its product development teams, the company spent US$3.8 billion last year on R&D. It plans to spend US$5 billion this year.
News source: Business Times Asia (Linked from Microsoft Presspass)
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