June 2011 Computer Science Expert from Stanford University to present NUI Galway Lecture

Computer Science Expert from Stanford University to present’The value of software and where in the world the value is realized’

The effect of Ireland’s corporation tax in a worldwide setting will be among the topics discussed in an exclusive public lecture at NUI Galway on Thursday by a leading computer science expert from Stanford University.

Professor Gio Wiederhold will deliver a talk on How to Value Software in a Business and Where might the Value Go? The presentation is intended to provide an understanding of how software products are valued in the marketplace and will provide insights into many areas of high-tech product design, resource acquisition, production, marketing, selection of business structures, outsourcing, and the impact of taxation policies in various countries.

Speaking ahead of Thursday’s lecture, the Stanford academic, who is currently writing a book entitled How Multinationals Avoid Taxes, said: “Ireland is facing dilemmas surrounding its corporate tax rate, but just lowering taxes does not necessarily equate to more jobs in the long term. The intellectual property, which generates taxes, can be allocated anywhere, using countries that are willing to provide financial intermediate services, so that the profits, and future investments, occur in places that provide even better incentives.”

Professor Gio Wiederhold suggests that few computer professionals are aware of the economic value and exploitation of their products, as the topic is rarely addressed in computer science education. Instead, the assessment of the value of their work is left to business experts, economists, lawyers, and promoters. The lack of understanding hinders rational decision-making for tradeoffs in software design and implementation, market timing, and choosing business models, and allows financial wizards to move the benefits of intellectual work across the globe.

The event is being hosted by the Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI) and the Centre for Innovation & Structural Change (CISC), both of which are based at NUI Galway, along with the University’s Discipline of IT. The lecture takes place at 11am on Thursday, 23 June in room CA 118 of the Cairnes Building.

Gio Wiederhold is a Professor Emeritus of Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Medicine at Stanford University, still teaching part-time on software economics and consulting for government entities. On Friday, 24 June, he will receive an honorary Degree of Doctor of Science at NUI Galway.