Bill Gates, like many major employers, supports the role of creativity as an engine of innovation in today's economy, which is subject to a crisis by results still unpredictable is news today For example, the IMF expects a crisis still long, at least until mid-2010, a decrease of GDP by around 4% in Europe (-4.4% in Italy) in 2009. The prospects appear to be serious crisis at this time especially for our continent, in which the forms of integration of political, economic and financial are still too weak, as expressed in the Regional Economic Outlook (REO) published by the IMF.
How to react to these problems, how to renew and integrate the political and economic structures?
Bill Gates, from his secluded position now operational commitments from Microsoft, devoted himself full-time charitable organization that bears his name and that of wife, Melinda, calls for a "creative capitalism", able to overcome the deep social injustices of the current system, with the aim of extending the benefits received from two thirds of the world population even at the last third, those 2 billion people not yet . This is the gist of the speech given at the beginning of 2009 in Davos at the World Economic Forum, and reiterated in an open letter published by the Gates Foundation, reminds us Giancarlo Radice in an article published today in Corriere della Sera , followed by the interview I report, on the same Article of Root:
Mr. Gates, do you think something has changed since it launched its "political manifesto"?
"Absolutely sì. Molte grandi aziende multinazionali stanno lavorando oggi con la fondazione Gates su progetti specifici in Paesi meno sviluppati, mettendoci denaro, competenze, prodotti. Parlo di imprese alimentari come Nestlé o Unilever, che stanno sviluppando nuovi prodotti basati su materie prime locali e metodi innovativi di distribuirli. Ma parlo anche di imprese di telecomunicazioni mobili, di chimica, farmaceutica, biotecnologie, il cui contributo è decisivo per le popolazioni di aree dove sono estremamente diffuse malattie recenti come l'Aids o antiche come malaria, poliomelite, dissenteria».
E i governi? Dove sono finite le promesse dei leader del G8 e G20?
«Per certi aspetti i programmi economici di aiuto allo sviluppo stanno leading to remarkable results, such as the fight against disease or the increase of agricultural production. There are governments of countries like Germany and Britain have significantly increased their commitment to the world's poorest. Then there are nations that have a long tradition of generosity, from Norway to Sweden. from Holland to Denmark. But unfortunately there are also countries to blame. I regret to say that the conduct of Italy is very disappointing. "
Refers to the budget that indicates a reduction in development assistance to just 0.1% of gross domestic product?
"This is a cut in half compared to the previous level, which was already low. I hope that something will change. "
In recent days met with the Minister Giulio Tremonti: talked about him?
"I understand the budgetary problems caused by the global crisis. And I know that Minister Tremonti is very sensitive to the problems of less developed areas of the world. He has already demonstrated its commitment, for example, projects for malaria vaccines. I told him that it is not just cut off the funding. I hope you think again. "
few weeks ago you said that the effects of the crisis will be felt for years. But, once passed, thinks everything is as good as before? Same model of capitalism, the same level of consumption, the same economic and financial imbalances?
"This phase of difficulty may actually represent an opportunity to reconsider. For people is their way of life. And for governments, which should be directed towards more effective policies and sustainable, for example on energy. "
technology will always play a leading role?
"I have always had. From here on, for example, just think what will be the Internet for education. Or what do we when we can afford, including a decade, robots will do our chores. "
In the U.S., but also in Europe, discussions on the role and remuneration of top managers in some cases have led companies to disaster.
"There's no doubt need to be modified in corporate governance. This is especially true for the United States, less so for Europe. The remuneration should be linked more to performance than to long-running performance in the short. "
Only a few months ago nobody would have imagined that the Italian Fiat might launch operations like those in America with Chrysler and Opel. This crisis will change the entire map of 'global industry?
"I'm not sure an industry analyst, but the dynamism shown by Fiat on a global scale really impressed me. But other elements will bring even more changes, although it will take longer. I think of energy efficient motors, a technology for cars with zero environmental impact. " His friend Warren
Buffett noted that philanthropy is "a game much more difficult than making money with a company."
"Warren is such a genius that I would never dare to disagree with him. The difference is that when dealing with a company you know immediately what you are doing right or wrong response from consumers. The work in a foundation instead produces results in a longer time. And it is hard to see before then if you are going in the right direction. "
Fighting poverty and disease in the less developed world, improvement of basic school education in the U.S. This year, the Gates Foundation will invest $ 3.6 billion, with more and more ambitious projects. Troppo?
«Lavoriamo in una serie di Paesi con malattie molto diffuse fra la popolazione. Altri in cui diamo incentivi in campo educativo. Qualche programma ha funzionato bene, altri meno. Il punto è capire perché e correggere il tiro per evitare sprechi».
Mister Gates, lei si è posto l'obiettivo di sradicare la poliomielite nel mondo, di dimezzare le morti per malaria entro il 2015, di dimezzare complessivamente entro il 2020 il numero di bambini che muoiono per le malattie più diffuse nei Paesi poveri, portandoli a non più di 5 milioni l'anno. Mete raggiungibili?
«Per la polio, siamo sulla buona strada per eliminarla. Certo, ci sono Paesi come India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Afghanistan dove la sfida è particolarmente difficile. Ma, con la collaborazione fra governi e la Fondazione, resto fiducioso».
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