Microsoft Pri0
Welcome to Microsoft Pri0: That's Microspeak for top priority, and that's the news and observations you'll find here from Seattle Times reporter Sharon Chan.
SubscribeJanuary 24, 2008 9:51 AM
Capitalist Gates calls for 'creative capitalism' to aid poor at Davos
Posted by Benjamin J. Romano
Addressing the World Economic Forum today, Microsoft chairman and world's richest man Bill Gates said free-market forces have failed the world's poor.
"We have to find a way to make the aspects of capitalism that serve wealthier people serve poorer people as well," he told the annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, according to coverage from Reuters. "I like to call this idea creative capitalism."
The Wall Street Journal today ran a front-page story on Gates' speech, having been given an advance copy and an interview last week. More after the jump.
Update, 1:20 p.m.: Microsoft has posted a transcript of Gates' speech. Tell us what you think of his vision for "creative capitalism" in the comments section.
According to the Journal, Gates is proposing "businesses that focus on building products and services for the poor. 'Such a system would have a twin mission: making profits and also improving lives for those who don't fully benefit from market forces,' he plans to say."
That sounds similar to the social capitalism espoused by microcredit pioneer and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who spoke recently with Seattle Times reporter Kristi Heim.
Some of Gates' other proposals, outlined in the Journal story: Businesses should assign their most talented employees to issues of the world's poor. Governments should create incentives to encourage businesses to address those issues.
Gates is nearing the end of his transition toward full-time work on philanthropy. His last day at Microsoft as a full-time employee is expected in July. He will retain the title of Microsoft chairman as he focuses his attention on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Digg
Newsvine
UPDATE - 8:00 AM
Recently listed
Popular searches
Jul 1, 08 - 11:45 AM
Microsoft buying natural-language search company Powerset
Jun 30, 08 - 05:16 PM
Report: Microsoft to cut Xbox 360 price ahead of big industry event
Jun 27, 08 - 03:52 PM
Gates send-off: Gates has had Ballmer's back from the beginning
Jun 27, 08 - 01:09 PM
Gates send-off: Photos
Jun 27, 08 - 11:48 AM
Gates send-off: Two guys and 90,000 employees
Open Houses
|
Find all open houses.
|
(Mercedes-Benz) Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA The compact SUV shown at the Shanghai auto show in April strives for a sporty, coupe-like look. Its four-cyl...
Post a comment
- Mobile giving is catching on
- In Person: Manure entrepreneur Kevin Maas turns dairy waste into green energy
- Man charged in slaying of hip-hop artist at Chop Suey
- Quake sped up Earth's rotation
- Homeowners may face rising roofing costs
- New blood-pressure guidelines pay off — for drug companies
- The hidden big business behind your doctor's diagnosis
- Ballard senior gets sweep of girls sprints | 4A Track and Field
- Logistics company cutting 136 jobs at Starbucks center
- Pot rules taking shape; public gets a taste of what’s ahead
- Columbia Hills State Park is a Gorge wonder
- LGBT students get $600,000 in scholarships from 2 groups
- Marine, dog partner reunited in surprise ceremony
- Sex-with-animals advocate told to stay off Internet
- Why is any political group exempt from taxes?
- Contractor at Wade’s gun range cited for lead exposure
- Helping high-school students navigate the next step | Lynne K. Varner / Times editorial columnist
- Tableau Software shares soar 64% in trading debut
- Italy on the plate by way of Ballard | Taste
July
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
Bill Gates, who last week ended his full-time involvement with Microsoft, was often right. He made a career, a company and an industry by looking over the horizon.
Posted by greg
11:36 PM, Jan 24, 2008
Mr. Gates should look to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act as a glowing example. Our state is much better off because of the forward thinking western and Native leaders 35 years ago. Similar principles, applied globally, would make this a much better world.