than 1,000 participants from across China for the extravagant opening session of the Congress. The importance of the event to the host country was evident through the participation of a number of Chinese government officials, led by Yan Junqi, vice chairwoman of the standing committee of the National People’s Congress of China, as well as Wan Gang, the country’s Minister for Science and Technology and a number of other government representatives from the federal and local levels. Perhaps a bit more surprising was the presence of a number of China’s wealthier entrepreneurs and angel investors who had been leading the way toward new economic growth. At the end of the opening session, Jonathan Ortmans, president of Global Entrepreneurship Week and the chair of the GEC, announced that Liverpool was selected to be the host city for 2012—and the evolution continued. In Liverpool, Richard Branson, famous for his Virgin brand empire, inspired delegates from 120 countries among a crowd of thousands. Along with other British titans of industry, Branson answered questions and shared insights based on years of experience. But as bright as the star power was in Liverpool, perhaps a more important shift began to occur—the international delegates were no longer populated solely by GEW hosts. The Congress began to attract participation from diverse delegations from government ministries, university researchers, the media and others.
policymakers work together to bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare. So how has the Global Entrepreneurship Congress made an impact? It has provided policymakers and researchers with an environment to exchange ideas and approaches on strengthening economic growth through policies and initiatives favorable to entrepreneurs. It has helped entrepreneurs and business owners launch and grow firms that create jobs and generate wealth in cities and countries around the world. It has improved global collaboration and expanded awareness of national campaigns to engage citizens in entrepreneurial activity. And, it has increased global recognition of entrepreneurs for the role they play in building economies while developing innovative solutions that improve daily life. What will 2013 bring for the Global Entrepreneurship Congress? Join us in Rio de Janeiro and find out.
In a very short period of time, the Global Entrepreneurship Congress has evolved into the premier inter-disciplinary gathering of startup champions from around the world—where entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, thought leaders and Global Entrepreneurship Congress
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