Next Mark Zuckerberg or Steve Jobs 'Just Needs an Internet Connection'

The next Mark Zuckerberg or Steve Jobs could come from anywhere around the world as long as they have an internet connection and a computer, according to the chief marketing officer of a major technology firm.

Chris Bradshaw, the chief marketing officer of multinational software firm Autodesk, told IBTimes UK that the internet and online education courses, like those offered by the famous US university the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), have revolutionised worldwide learning.

"I think that one of wonderful things about the internet is that it's a great democratiser," Bradshaw said.

"If you're motivated with massive online courses and communities, anybody anywhere in the world with an internet connection and computer can get access to, for example, the MIT's entire curriculum.

"It would be naïve to believe that the next Mark Zuckerberg (co-founder of Facebook) or the next Steve Jobs (co-founder of Apple) would necessarily come from the US. There are smart kids everywhere."

He added: "Motivation is key because probably only 1% of kids are self-motivated enough to go and figure out how to get into an MIT course."

Bradshaw argued that education systems need to help and stimulate young people to become more self-motivated and stimulate their curiosity.

Bradshaw's comments come as Autodesk helps launch the Great British Summer Game Jam in June.

The initiative, which is also supported by British entertainment giant Mind Candy, will invite the UK's "best indie game developers to showcase their talent and build a game".

This Game Jam, which kicks off on 26 June, will demonstrate that development tools are now accessible to all.

The teams, consisting of students, recent graduates and up-and-coming developers, then have a week to get their ideas together before the Jam starts in earnest on 5 July.