Special Report: America’s Private Sector Edge: Insights to Bolstering U.S. Business Competitiveness 

By the Meridian Corporate Council Working Groups

In a world defined by rapid shifts in geopolitics and global markets, the Meridian Center for Corporate Diplomacy is at the forefront of leveraging private sector power to advance diplomacy and international collaboration. By equipping business leaders with the tools, insights, and networks they need, Meridian is strengthening U.S. business competitiveness and fostering partnerships to tackle shared global challenges.

The Center launched the Meridian Corporate Council Working Groups in April of 2024 in partnership with the U.S. Department of State Office of Commercial and Business Affairs (CBA) and chaired by Special Representative Sarah Morgenthau and The Honorable Stuart W. Holliday, Chief Executive Officer of Meridian International Center. CBA serves as the focal point for the State Department’s outreach to the U.S. business community and has primary responsibility for developing, analyzing, and coordinating efforts to vigorously support and facilitate U.S. business interests abroad.

With more than 50 major global corporations and partners participating, the Meridian Corporate Council Working Groups will enhance public-private sector collaboration to fortify American business growth and strengthen the U.S. competitive edge internationally. Functioning as a "kitchen cabinet" of advisers, members will provide invaluable counsel to the Office of Commercial and Business Affairs to help American business thrive in global markets.

This report summarizes the insights and feedback that emerged from the Working Groups between April and October of 2024 on five key themes:

1. Global Health
2. AI and Emerging Technologies
3. Energy and the Environment
4. Supply Chains and Critical Minerals
5. U.S. Business Competitiveness

Discussions, held according to Meridian House Rule, were framed around U.S. business competitiveness, feedback on recent U.S. government laws and regulations, and the evolving dynamics in emerging and established markets. While the report does not address the implications of the November 2024 election results, it provides a critical snapshot of the challenges and opportunities currently shaping U.S. global competitiveness.

This report serves as a foundation for continued dialogue and partnership between the U.S. business community and the Office of Commercial and Business Affairs (CBA) and provides actionable next steps to enhance public-private sector collaboration moving forward.

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