Microsoft's decision to make a significant investment in Greece cannot be overemphasized. It is a development of great importance for the present and, above all, for the future of the country.

For decades now, one company after another, foreign and Greek alike, picked up and left Greece, while many others closed.

The political and investment climate was not at all friendly. The constant change of the relevant laws, the continuous demonstrations and politically motivated strikes forced them to leave the country or go out of business.

Greece was becoming less productive. Poorer. The energetic, ambitious young people went elsewhere for the fulfillment of their dreams as the country remained trapped in an outdated economic model, with implications in all areas, even in national defense.

Microsoft's investment is of course significant for its size. But it will also be a great investment regardless of what the final monetary amount ends up being.

It is also extremely important because of its field: advanced technology is a critical field that has the capability of determining the future of people and their respective countries

The scale of the impact on the young people who will be employed by this technology company, but also the influence it will have on other small businesses (i.e., it will pave the way for them to upgrade the technology they use) – will put the country on a new path of recovery and dynamism.

In addition, it will play a big role in reducing the brain drain – the flight of young, talented, ambitious people, who were drowning in Greece and went abroad, where they now can thrive.

How can a country develop and deal with its problems when so many of its most talented young people leave?

And why would a young person prefer to work in Berlin, London, or Los Angeles, instead of home, if the conditions are right?

Yes, Greece can take off. With some targeted moves in some critical sectors of the economy.

And then the need for the Greek diaspora youth will only increase, and so too will the need for guidance from the diaspora's elders. Broader participation must be the goal.