At the event, LinkedIn also introduced a set of new products. In his address, Weiner elaborated on projects in the pipeline aimed at achieving the company’s vision and mission. 

He said the number of users on LinkedIn remains important for the company in terms of tracking the realisation of its mission to connect “the world’s professionals”. It is, however, also increasing its focus on engaging its members, with an emphasis on premium members. 

Weiner revealed the company also plans to develop the world’s first economic graph. “We are going to digitally map the global economy across six key dimensions or pillars. First, we are going to have a profile for every one of the three billion people in the global workforce. We are going to have a profile for every company in the world, including small and medium size businesses.”

LinkedIn plans to create a digital representation of every job made available by these companies. It also wants to digitally represent every skill required by the jobs these businesses offer. Higher educational organisations, vocational training facilities, and universities may also be represented. 

“We are going to continue to invest in a publishing platform that enables every individual, every company, and every university to share their professionally relevant knowledge, if they elect to do so,” he added. 

Weiner noted that combining forces with Microsoft will help LinkedIn with this project. “Microsoft has a footprint of over one billion users, one of only a handful of technology companies, alongside Google and Facebook, that reach a footprint of over a billion users.”

Microsoft announced in June this year that it has entered into a definitive agreement with LinkedIn, under which it will acquire the social network. It plans to do so for $196 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at $26.2 billion, inclusive of LinkedIn’s net cash.

The technology company stated that LinkedIn will retain its distinct brand, culture, and independence, with Weiner remaining CEO. The deal is expected to close this calendar year and is subject to approval by various stakeholders and regulatory authorities. 

Weiner did not discuss details of the deal at the press event, but explained the company has been looking at ways to leverage Microsoft’s footprint. 

For more information, watch a video of the press event here.