Why did I quit Microsoft to work for the service of the state in the field of new technologies? - Meeting with Pamela Krzypkowska, the Director of the Department of Research and Innovation at the Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs.
Meet Pamela Krzypkowska: 13 June (Thursday) Main Stage at 15:55 in Discussion panel: Quantum Computing: Most Beautiful Revolution
In recent years, we have observed an intriguing trend among young, talented scientists and engineers who decide to change their career paths from lucrative positions in technology corporations to less profitable but potentially more fulfilling roles in government or general public institutions. Their motivations vary - from wanting to influence public policy to aspirations of addressing pressing social problems using science and technology.
The decision to move from the private to the public sector also has long-term implications for the tech sector itself. Noticing this trend, technology companies increasingly offer programs and initiatives that allow their employees to participate in public or community projects. Thus, they indirectly support this trend, seeing benefits for both their employees and the broader social good.
Responsible digitization is becoming increasingly important in the context of rapid technological advancements and their impact on society and the environment. Achieving responsible digitization requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, communities, and non-governmental organizations. Is it worth sacrificing a career in a technology corporation to serve the state?
Meet Pamela Krzypkowska, a specialist dealing with artificial intelligence from many perspectives. Today, she works as a director of the Research and Innovation Department at the Ministry of Digitization, her goal is to ensure the responsible digitization of Poland in the area of AI and new technologies.
Previously, she worked as an AI Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft, leading flagship projects in this field for the largest clients in Poland. Her experience includes MLOps, ML model development, and working with generative models. Additionally, she shares her knowledge as a lecturer at the Koźmiński University and the Warsaw University of Technology. In 2023, she was chosen by the Perspektywy Educational Foundation during the Summit’s Gala Top Women in Cloud Computing in Poland as one of the top 10 women dealing with Cloud in Poland. And, don't forget, she is an alumni of many Perspektywy Foundation programs. We are so proud of her!
As the Director of the Department of Research and Innovation at the Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs, I oversee vital projects that aim to foster digitization efforts in Poland - says Pamela - In this role, I collaborate closely with various stakeholders, such as academia, business, and public administration, to identify and address their needs across the spectrum of technology access, legal regulations, and knowledge dissemination. Additionally, I lead consultations and projects related to groundbreaking technologies, such as AI, cloud, and blockchain, and initiate actions to promote their adoption and development.
Young, talented scientists who decide to leave tech corporations for government roles bring fresh ideas, modern technologies, and innovative approaches to problem-solving. Their choice shows that for many, the key criterion for career path selection is not just financial but the ability to make a real difference. This shift can not only accelerate the digitization of the public sector but also introduce new, efficient ways of management and public policy implementation, which will have a beneficial impact on society as a whole.
Meet Pamela and listen to her fascinating story!
