Asia has been considered a hub for global innovation and home to some of the most technologically advanced countries in the world — with three major Asian countries listed on Bloomberg's top 10 most innovative economies. Innovation in the technology sector and the application of those innovations throughout all sectors of the economy have been a primary driver of economic growth. Some governments in the region have been adopting policies that spur innovation in an open, market-driven manner that promotes both collaboration and competition based on the rule of law, while others rely on government-directed decision-making rather than their markets to drive innovation.

The Asia Society Policy Institute is pleased to present a public panel discussion with Asian thought leaders and entrepreneurs to explore the successful innovation strategies governments are employing to foster competition, promote access to technology, and encourage the creation of innovations and capacity to innovate. What are the key challenges entrepreneurs face in innovating in this region? What is the role of government in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship? What are the kind of policies governments can utilize to support innovation without hindering competition?
 

Speakers include:

• Caroline Atkinson, Head of Global Policy, Google; former U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics
• Robert Atkinson, President, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
• Ambassador Robert Holleyman, Deputy United States Trade Representative 
• Wonkyong Kim, Executive Vice President for Government Affairs, Samsung Electronics America
• Haruno Yoshida, President, BT Japan
• Wendy Cutler (moderator), Vice President, Asia Society Policy Institute