Abstract:
Microsoft is gradually closing its long-running internal innovation project "The Garage". This 17-year-old company-level innovation platform is about to end its history as an independent project. According to exposed internal documents, Microsoft plans to eliminate the function of "The Garage" as a unified operating organization and adjust the use of multiple related physical spaces around the world.
"The Garage" has served as Microsoft's internal innovation experiment platform since its inception, providing employees with space, tools and resources to develop creative projects, test new ideas and participate in cross-department collaboration outside of their own jobs. The project is also one of the important organizers of Microsoft’s Global Hackathon.
Microsoft stated in an internal document that the experimental culture that used to rely on dedicated innovation spaces and project promotion has now been integrated into the daily work processes of each team. The company believes that as new tools and work models become more widespread, innovation, learning and experimentation are no longer limited to specific locations but should become ongoing, daily activities for all teams.
As for the reason for the closure, Microsoft described it as part of rethinking and adjusting the innovation system. A company spokesperson said that Microsoft continues to evaluate how to use office space to better support employees, customers and partners, so it decided to adjust some Garage spaces. However, Microsoft emphasized that the spirit of innovation and creator culture remain core components of the company's work.
It is understood that garage venues in different regions will be treated differently according to local conditions, and access to some spaces may be restricted as soon as possible in the near future. Microsoft has not yet publicly stated which specific locations are affected, including the future of its flagship Garage space on the campus of its Redmond headquarters in the United States.
At the same time, the closure of Garage has also raised concerns about the future of Microsoft's global hackathon activities. Internal documents show that the team responsible for the project is re-planning related plans, and Microsoft will announce more details in the future. It's unclear whether the hackathon will continue as a new organization.
It is worth noting that Microsoft has been adjusting internal resources in recent years. Earlier this year, the company closed its employee libraries in Redmond, Hyderabad, Beijing and Dublin and integrated related learning resources into what it called an "AI-driven learning platform." In addition, Microsoft also closed Building 92, its famous visitor center at its headquarters.
Public information shows that "The Garage" was first born within the Microsoft Office Labs team in 2009, and its slogan is "Doers, Not Talkers (doers, not empty talkers)". The program is designed to support employees in implementing their ideas, not just at the level of ideas. As Satya Nadella promoted corporate culture reform after taking office, "The Garage" has gradually become an important symbol of Microsoft's encouragement of experimental spirit and cross-department innovation.
Now, as Microsoft invests a lot of resources in artificial intelligence and data center construction, while continuing to promote cost optimization in other areas, this important project that has witnessed the transformation of Microsoft's innovation culture is about to withdraw from the stage of history. Microsoft believes that innovation is no longer limited to specialized laboratories and maker spaces, but should become part of every team's daily work.
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