São Paulo 2014 Blog: Panel - Technology and Small and Medium Enterprises
Watch a conversation about the role of technology and small and medium enterprises in Brazil.
Speakers:
- Hernan Rincon, President, Microsoft Latin America
- Joe Leahy, Bureau Chief in Brazil, Financial Times (Interviewer)
In an interview with Financial Times' Joe Leahy, Hernan Rincon talked about the value of technology for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Brazil. As the sector represents a significant portion of the country's economy, the president of Microsoft Latin America said that SMEs making better use of technology can employ more people and grow faster.
Rincon talked about SMEs' "crucial role" in the world's new economy, explaining that after the 2008 economic downturn, some countries recovered faster than others due to their SMEs ability to transform themselves and adapt to new realities. He added that SMEs are "engines of innovation," adopting skills that are "important in a modern economy."
"They generate the most jobs and most new jobs in any economy, basically in any country around the world," he said.
Rincon talked about technology as an important factor for SMEs to grow and help any economy, pointing out that the sector has not reached its full potential in Brazil yet.
Approx 40% GDP in Brazil driven by SMEs. Global average closer to 70% - big opportunity says @microsoft Lat Am President #PanoramaBR
— Ian Herbison (@Iherbison) March 25, 2014
#PanoramaBR brazil uses technology as an enabler more than many developed countries.
— Susan Segal (@s_segal) March 25, 2014
Watch the entire interview: