Microsoft Is All In With Growing Its Scientific Research Arm

Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is overhauling its scientific research unit, naming a veteran employee as its first-ever chief scientific officer.

It's an uncommon move for a technology company, but it does underscore the importance of research to Microsoft's operations. As the company strives to lead in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and healthcare technology, scientific research is necessary.

When announcing the appointment of Eric Horvitz (the director of Microsoft's Research Labs) as its chief scientific officer, Microsoft said Horvitz will play a key role in guiding the company's "scientific directions and capabilities." That means Horvitz will be tasked with choosing the areas to focus on, and the investments to be made.

Source Fool.com