The Global Innovation Forum was created in January 2009 and is a project of the National Foreign Trade Council Foundation.

Founded in 1914, the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) is the oldest and largest trade association devoted entirely to advocating an open, rules-based international trade system. Its activities encompass international trade policy, international tax policy, human resources, and unilateral economic sanctions. The NFTC is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has an office in New York.

Incorporated in 1979, the National Foreign Trade Council Foundation is the educational arm of the NFTC. It is a 501(c)(3) organization incorporated under the laws of the state of New York. Its office is in New York City. As approved by its board of directors, the NFTC Foundation’s mission is to inspire, promote, encourage and facilitate international trade and investment in order to enhance economic growth and job creation throughout the world.