This week's technometria podcast is a discussion with Rick Rashid. Not only is he the head of Microsoft Research, but he's also the guy who started it.

Microsoft Research is dedicated to conducting both basic and applied research in computer science and software engineering. The company also collaborates openly with colleges and universities worldwide to broadly advance the field of computer science. We discuss both Microsoft Research, as well as the general status of technology research.

Rick first talks about his background and what led him to become involved in the formation of Microsoft Research. He discusses the general topic of research and its place in innovation. We also talk about the research differences between Microsoft and Google and the controversial issue of software patents.

I'm a China junkie and couldn't resist the opportunity to talk to Rick about Micorsoft's work in China. He gets into the country's educational differences and how Microsoft has become an important resource for students there.