On June 17th, 2009
When it comes to technology-based entrepreneurship, top leaders at Tuesday's summit said there's more the nation's government and education leaders can do to nurture nascent businesses.
University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman said universities should be more supportive of the entrepreneurial efforts of students and faculty.
"Failure isn't a disaster. We have to create an opportunity where taking a risk is OK," Coleman told listeners at a panel on technology's role in expanding entrepreneurship. "There needs to be a rewards system in place for entrepreneurs within the university."
Eva Chen, co-founder of Trend Micro, a computer security solutions firm, said the U.S. should take a more active role in providing health care for entrepreneurs, as well as giving tax leniency to people who start up businesses.
When bigger companies buy start-ups and they fail, she said, "they can write it off later as good will. ... Individuals with good ideas and little capital should be given similar chances."
