We are always looking to bring new, compelling content to the Voices for Innovation community. From time to time, relevant, thought-provoking speakers visit Microsoft—from authors to elected officials to Nobel laureates. We now have the opportunity to bring some of these guests to VFI through video appearances and other special activities.

For our first guest, we welcome Joel Kotkin, a well-recognized and respected authority on global, economic, political, and social trends. He is the author of the new book The Next Hundred Million: America in 2050. He summarizes his positive outlook for the U.S. in the video segment below.   You can also download Joel's  PowerPoint presentaion here (it may take a moment to download).

You can learn more about Joel Kotkin and his views on demographics, urban affairs, the economy, and other topics at http://www.joelkotkin.com/. 

In the next Voice of Innovation blog post, VFI members will have a chance to ask Joel Kotkin a question and win a signed copy of his new book. (If you’re not a member, it’s free and easy to sign up by clicking here.)