How They Survived to Thrive

It has not been a good century for technology companies. Only in the most recent of the past 30 months, as hardware and software orders have begun to revive, have stocks moved higher. Demand is encouragingly strong for Internet service, mobile phones and video games. But most of the tech sector remains deep in its shake-out phase, which means that only a relative few resilient players continue to deliver products and services–and profits. This year TIME’s survey of global tech leaders salutes the survivors, executives who have made it through the punishment and come out with their businesses not just intact but thriving. Their tales of creative persistence may help inspire the rest of the tech sector to get through the century’s next 97 years.