The Americas Competitiveness Exchange on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ACE) was created in 2014 by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of State and the Organization of American States (OAS) to showcase first-hand successful examples of entrepreneurship, innovation, strategic investments and public-private partnerships from a specific region/country within the Western Hemisphere that contribute to economic development at the local, regional, and national levels.The ACE has become a flagship hemispheric initiative for the promotion of better innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems in the Americas. It is one of the main initiatives of the Inter-American Competitiveness Network (RIAC), in which the OAS serves as Technical Secretariat.ACE activities are selected to further advance commerce, trade and investment between participating economies, accelerate business opportunities, and promote collaboration among stakeholders.
ACE 11
The 11th ACE took place in Puerto Rico from May 18, 2019 to May 25, 2019.
ACE 11 showcased examples of effective innovation and entrepreneurship-related initiatives underway in Puerto Rico that are impacting its economic development and recovery with the goal of creating information sharing and collaboration building opportunities for all participants. The program will take participants to 10 cities of all sizes throughout the island, where they will interact with over 30 key innovation-driven businesses and institutions as well as share emerging technologies and best practices linked to the sharing economy, renewable energy, medical tourism, smart cities, and the internet of things.
ACE 12
The 12th Americas Competitiveness Exchange on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ACE) took place in Santiago de Chile, Chile, from October 6, 2019 to October 10, 2019.
ACE 12 showcased initiatives that emerged in Chile on digital transformation to increase productivity, modernization, and growth of national industry. The program familiarized participants with investment and export opportunities in Chile and provided opportunities to engage with top local actors of the innovation ecosystem that are leading the digital transformation in Chile.
Being an ACE Ambassador
Former ACE participants and hosts are chosen to be an ACE Ambassador based on their proven leadership and commitment to open doors in their community. ACE Ambassadors are expected to:
- Maintain and enhance best practices that promote competitiveness in the Americas
- Provide support in guiding communities on current and future ACE programs
- Participate as a VIP Guest at American Competitiveness Forum in Argentina in 2019
- Represent the ACE program at domestic and international events
- Provide expertise to ACE participants and alumni as a mentor among peers in economic development
- Support the strengthening of the ACE brand and Alumni Network
- Provide feedback to ensure the ACE program continues improving and expanding
As an ambassador for the ACE program, Executive Director Griensewic has been chosen to represent South Central Minnesota as part of ACE, which gives South Central Minnesota a unique opportunity to foster relationships with other parts of the Americas and the rest of the world. This global exchange allows Region Nine to showcase the innovative work that is taking place regionally and provide examples of technical assistance projects that the organization offers. The goal is to decrease obstacles that stand in the way of global trade and investments and to make the world a little smaller by connecting the right people. The ACE program has already allowed the region to share Region Nine’s MedTech Connect work with foreign delegates and governments. Region Nine is in a unique position as we have ongoing conversations with local manufacturers and other industries so we can learn about their challenges, analyze the global markets, and make recommendations that can reduce some of these barriers.