According to organizers, the mission of The National Summit is to convene a cross-sector gathering of business, government, labor and academic leaders to promote actions to improve America's competitiveness in the global economy.

Peterson spoke during a panel discussion on America's Competitiveness Agenda along with Thomas Paul d'Aquino, president & CEO, Canadian Council of Chief Executives; Senator Debbie A. Stabenow (D- MI); and Deborah L. Wince-Smith, president, The Council on Competitiveness. The National Summit is meeting in Detroit over the next three days.