The Americas Competitiveness Exchange on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ACE) is a regional program of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Inter-American Competitiveness Network (RIAC). Ministers and High-Level Authorities of the countries of the Americas approved ACE as one of the main activities of the RIAC’s 2017- 2019 Work Plan.

The objective of the Exchange is to showcase successful first-hand examples of entrepreneurship, innovation, strategic investments and public-private partnerships from a specific region or country that contribute to the economic development at the local, national, and regional levels.

The event brings 50 decision-makers from across the Americas and beyond for a weeklong tour. During the program, participants will ride a custom charter bus through nearly a dozen municipalities, stopping at more than thirty sites. These sites are comprised of innovation hubs, leading firms, academic institutions, and research centers. Each visit offers a unique opportunity to explore local and regional economic development models, share experiences and knowledge, and build networks among the local and visiting stakeholders to enhance the innovation and competitiveness of the Americas and beyond.

Local and regional hosts will prepare presentations, discussion panels, walking tours, and networking events to create multidirectional collaboration channels for participants to explore mutually beneficial partnership opportunities and exchange good practices on innovation and entrepreneurship with host sites and fellow ACE leaders.

The ACE has had 10 iterations in the following countries and regions. To access the website of each edition, click on the logos below: