Supporting the Expansion of the America's Competitiveness Exchange on Innovation and Enterpreneurship
Adopted at the 83rd Annual Meeting in 2015
WHEREAS, the DOC through its Economic Development Administration (EDA) fosters regional economic development efforts in communities building upon two key economic drivers: (i) innovation and (ii) regional collaboration; and
WHEREAS, the America s Competiveness Exchange (ACE) on Innovation and Entrepreneurship was created in 2014 as a partnership between the U.S. Department of Commerce, through the International Trade Administration and the Economic Development Administration (EDA), the U.S. Department of State, and the Organization of American States; and
WHEREAS, the ACE takes, high-level decision makers and leaders from the Western Hemisphere to establish long-term global partnerships; and
WHEREAS, the three editions of the ACE have proven to be successful in reducing transaction costs for global exchange of information, products, and ideas;eliminating barriers to commerce and trade; reducing business transaction risk; accelerating business, trade, and commerce transactions; and creating economic opportunity and development between, among, and within participating economies; and
WHEREAS, the ACE encourages collaboration in sharing Research, Development and Commercialization of Technology models and in building mutually beneficial partnerships between research centers, universities and private sectors associations; and
WHEREAS, the ACE assists in the understanding of the steps to develop community-based regional economic development institutional resources and tools provided by accelerators, incubators, technology parks and other similar entities by sharing models, information, fostering collaboration and facilitating mentorships; and
WHEREAS , the ACE exemplifies the importance of uniting universities, industry, and government to solve complex challenges through public and private partnerships to advance a coordinated regional economic development strategy and brand to promote and leverage localized assets; and
WHEREAS, the ACE presents strategies to develop and retain talent, make infrastructure investments and other key factors to stimulate job creation through innovation and entrepreneurship for innovative businesses to startup and expand as well as to support emerging industries; and
WHEREAS, communities should be encouraged to co-organize ACE programs, seminars and other capacity building initiatives for public officials, private sector and university leaders, entrepreneurs, to identify priorities for local development; and
WHEREAS, EDA s design and implementation of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) and investment sites is a valuable experience for countries in the Americas as best practice models and connection points to reduce transaction costs for global exchange of information, products, and ideas; eliminate barriers to commerce and trade; reduce business transaction risk; accelerate business, trade, and commerce transactions; and create economic opportunity and development between, among, and within participating economies.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the United States Conference of Mayors urges the Administration to continue working with communities across the country to host and participate in the ACE to create the conditions for economic growth and opportunity, working with businesses, universities, communities, and workers to promote job creation, economic growth, sustainable development, and improved standards of living in the United States and within the hemisphere.
Projected Cost: Unknown