Microsoft Generational Roundtable

I took part in an interesting debate today, organised by Microsoft, discussing the latest generation of new graduates, their role in the IT industry - and how they shape it, or are shaped by it. The discussion covered a broad range of issues, and definitely got those brain cells working! Some of the things raised were....

• How our current education system stimulates (or fails to stimulate) innovation, and whether educational institutions - at all levels - could do more to support this.
• Establishing closer ties to business, at university level if not earlier - so students can engage with not only academics, but tap into the experience and knowledge of individuals with years of experience in the industry
• How can we address the huge gender gap in the IT industry - can leading women within the industry to try to break down some of those preconceptions by engaging with potential students at an early stage?
• Moving towards a increasingly flexi-time, telecommuting business world - will businesses that fail to adapt to accomodate their employees needs struggle to hold on to staff? How will this affect working hours?
• Looking forward to the next 5-10 years and how technology might further change the way we work.

All in all, a very good morning, with some very interesting folks!