GEN Global Assembly Interactive Workshop: Ecosystem Connect: Connecting the Connectors in a Fragmented World

Session Description

Startup ecosystems already foster global cooperation—but can they play a larger role as lead trust builders when it gets lost at the geopolitical level? This workshop will explore how founders and enablers in their ecosystems can lead cross-border engagement efforts, create neutral spaces for international collaboration, and position entrepreneurship as a unifying force in the next decade. 

Ecosystem leaders are at the center of startup community success, but how can they share networks, insights, and opportunities more effectively across borders? Participants will co-create GEN’s Ecosystem Connect program, aimed at fostering cross-border “ecosystem tourism” through peer learning, soft-landing packages, and structured market engagement opportunities. Participants will help refine the initiative, ensuring it serves as a platform for improving ecosystem performance and increasing global startup activity. 

About the GEN Global Assembly

The GEN Global Assembly (GGA) brings together diverse experts and practitioners from around the world to brainstorm strategies and learn skills for strengthening the global entrepreneurial ecosystem. To kick off the GEC, the immersive GGA workshops will provide the tools and insights to help us build thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems together around the 2025 themes, including "Enhanced Cross Border Engagement Through the New Diplomats."

About Enhanced Cross-Border Engagement Through the "New Diplomats"

Over the next decade, the global entrepreneurial ecosystem must prioritize deepening international collaboration—not just at the government level, but also between entrepreneurial ecosystems, corporations and entertainers.  Three working groups described below will define how global engagement that can bridge divides in different ways to traditional government diplomacy.  

Session Recap

(AI-generated session recap made available by Google NotebookLM)

Session Recap: Connecting the Connectors Globally

1. Brief Summary 

This session at GEC 2025 explored the crucial theme of connecting the connectors globally in a fragmented world. Led by Ollie Barrett and featuring Jonathan, the President of the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), the discussion focused on understanding why it is valuable and interesting to connect entrepreneurial ecosystems, identifying what gets in the way of such connections, and envisioning what a future ecosystem connect could look like. Participants shared personal stories and examples of how entrepreneurial ecosystems are already bridging divides where governments may struggle. The session emphasized the belief that entrepreneurs are the new diplomats and that a powerfully connected global entrepreneurial ecosystem is essential for retaining trust in the world. Attendees were engaged as a vital focus group to gather insights on motivations and barriers to connecting with ecosystems outside their own markets.

2. Outline

• Welcome and introduction to GEC 2025.
• Participant networking activity: connecting with someone new.
• Introduction of Jonathan, President of the Global Entrepreneurship Network.
• The importance of building trust in a world with geopolitical friction.
• Belief that entrepreneurs are the new diplomats.
• GEN's role in building connections over 15 years through events in controversial places.
• Seeking attendee advice as a focus group on connecting ecosystems.
• Acknowledgments for Ollie Barrett's contributions to GEN initiatives.
• Discussion on the value and challenges of connecting with ecosystems outside one's market.
• Introduction of GEN Connect online tools for connecting various stakeholders.
• Emphasis on Ecosystem Connect as a key focus for the session.
• Data showing exponentially more startups in ecosystems with greater connectivity.
• The economic value of inclusion and not leaving people out.
• Attendee discussion on how entrepreneurial ecosystems are bridging divides.
• Examples shared: starting accelerator programs, bringing international experts, government funding challenges and successes, grassroots movements, learning through international visits, leveraging university programs and students, nonprofit collaborations.
• Addressing skepticism about the practical benefits of ecosystem connection.
• Participant discussion on what gets in the way of connecting entrepreneurial ecosystems.
• Barriers identified: lack of time/capacity, different organizational goals, loss of authentic connection due to AI, industry gatekeepers, challenges in securing grants/funding access, lack of government understanding/engagement.
• Reimagining what ecosystem connect looks like at the next level.
• Visions for the future: going back to basics on networking, involving partners in program design, piloting small, being present/showing up, having ready teams, utilizing random virtual mixers, amplifying stories and networking in public (e.g., LinkedIn), building a sense of community/belonging, enabling global expansion for startups, the need for a worldwide platform and easier cross-border systems, involving decision-makers.
• Reflection on session takeaways.
• Closing remarks and invitation to continue the conversation.

3. Notable Quotes

• "We believe that entrepreneurs are the new diplomats and the entrepreneurial ecosystem and in particular the global entrepreneurial ecosystem needs to be even more powerful in its role of boldly hence the the bold change the world the theme of our event boldly leading the world in ensuring we retain that trust."
• "I would say that just introducing people to others has helped move their cause forward"
• "I'd love to see a worldwide platform that has every entrepreneur, every founder, every support organization, incubator, accelerator, all there."

4. Key Takeaways

• Connection Drives Growth: Data shows that ecosystems with greater connectivity to others produce exponentially more startups.
• Entrepreneurs as Diplomats: The global entrepreneurial ecosystem has a powerful role in building and retaining trust, potentially bridging divides where governments cannot.
• Overcoming Barriers Requires Persistence and Collaboration: Securing support from governments or larger organizations often takes years of proving impact5. Grassroots efforts, private donors, and partnering with other entities can help overcome initial challenges.
• Leverage Underutilized Resources: Academic institutions and students are a secret weapon with unique ideas and energy, valuable for ecosystem projects and international connections.
• Authentic Connection and Community are Key: While tools are helpful, relearning how to network, being present, involving partners in design, and fostering a sense of belonging are fundamental to building trust and effective connections.

5. Resources Mentioned

• Gen Connect: An online platform by GEN designed to connect mentors with founders, founders with investors, investors with others, and speakers with opportunities. It includes an Ecosystem Connect feature for communities to connect.
• Global Startup Ecosystem Report: An annual publication by GEN and partner Startup Genome.
• MIT Sandbox: A program mentioned in the context of a startup collaboration visit.
• University of Oklahoma Professional Fellows Program: Funded by the US Department of State Global Leaders Division, this program brings entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders from various countries to the US.
• Impulsa Colombia: Mentioned as providing a scholarship for training abroad.
• King's University (UK): Mentioned as providing training facilitated by an Impulsa Colombia scholarship.
• London & Partners: Described as London's business promotion agency, noted as helpful.
• Good360: A 501c3 nonprofit charity that connects other nonprofits with larger companies making donations.
• LinkedIn: Highlighted as a powerful tool for collaboration and amplifying stories through public networking.

6. Action Items

• Attendees were encouraged to sign up for GEN Connect programs, such as the Speakers Bureau, through their online profiles.
• GEN is seeking input from attendees to understand the honest motivations and reasons why they would connect with other ecosystems, to help build the necessary infrastructure.
• The host plans to investigate how to keep the breakout session community connected moving forward, emphasizing the importance of designing it together.
• Attendees were invited to continue the conversation and share their key takeaways with others after the session.