U.S.-Brazil Summit: Focus on Innovation, Economics

September 22, 2010 – More than 300 leaders from industry, academia and the public sector convened at Georgetown Sept. 21 to talk about ideas and policies for strategic economic initiatives between the United States and Brazil.

The second annual two-day U.S.-Brazil Innovation Summit is attracting top officials from both countries, including Miguel Jorge, Brazilian minister of development, industry and foreign trade; Mauro Vieira, ambassador of Brazil to the United States; Miriam Sapiro, deputy U.S. trade representative; and Thomas Shannon, U.S. ambassador to Brazil.

Great Strengths

James Steinberg, deputy secretary of state, gave the keynote address on Tuesday. He praised the summit as a platform for America and Brazil to renew their commitments to overcoming new challenges in an increasingly connected world.

“The great strengths of vibrant economies like ours comes from innovation,” Steinberg said. “Economies that innovate grow faster and make progress in the most important industries. Both of our countries must be the engines of these advancements.”

Addressing Challenges

Georgetown partnered with the Council on Competitiveness, the Brazilian Agency for Industrial Development and Movimento Brasil Competitivo to host the event.

Conference panels during the summit address challenges and opportunities facing the U.S. and Brazil, such as meeting the world’s growing energy and water needs, doubling global food production, building “smart” infrastructure and creating a shared vision for a robust, adaptive manufacturing system.

“Let us, as we work toward solutions and strive to co-create new models for innovation-driven growth, not forget those who are looking to us for leadership in shaping the conditions which will provide greater prosperity for all,” said Georgetown President John J. DeGioia, who sits on Council on Competitiveness’ executive committee. “Together, let us think deeply about how we all may build a broad and truly inclusive prosperity..."