Germano beautifully captures the essence of the OpenTrack with a vivid metaphor:

In more concrete terms, however, the OpenTrack is an open competition running parallel to the main IEO (in internal lingo, called the MainTrack for distinction) and available to everyone (truly: absolutely anyone) interested. The rounds contain the exact same tasks as the main IEO and take place on the same dates. No age or education restrictions are imposed on the contestants, and no prior selection processes are required.

The IEO OpenTrack was established to fulfill the demand for a competition available to students who were unable to qualify for the main Olympiad or whose countries are not represented at the IEO. However, it has garnered interest from a broader audience, attracting participation from professors, university students, and business representatives alike. Even parents of students have registered.

A notable benefit of the OpenTrack is that it provides a platform for Alumni of the Olympiad to remain engaged — not just as mentors but as active contributors to the ongoing development of economic thought and academic excellence. This initiative not only reveals emerging talent but also ensures that the insights and experiences of former participants are woven into the continuous evolution of the IEO’s academic curriculum and institutional structure.

Once the format was established, the project gained a new purpose: on the organizational side, to make the OpenTrack into an Academy of Alumni — creating a robust network that serves as a lifelong resource for Economics scholars. Germano explains that fostering an active IEO Alumni network is not only beneficial for the participants but also for the integrity of the competition itself. Most of the core Organizers (Officers), Graders, and Jury Members are IEO Alumni who have transitioned from being competitors to contributors, which Germano calls “jumping the barricade”.

This creates a self-sustaining ecosystem where former participants return to give back to the community. And, more often than not, stay around.

This focus on lifelong engagement allows Alumni to contribute to the Olympiad’s curriculum, mentor current participants, and even collaborate on research projects — there is always some tinkering going on in the halls of the OpenTrack, as Germano playfully hints. This system of knowledge-sharing benefits all involved, ensuring the IEO is continuously refreshed and reenergized with new ideas while remaining grounded in its rich history — one that Germano is very keen on accurately recording and passing on.

The OpenTrack’s organizational structure is designed to cultivate leadership and professional growth. Germano, who serves as the Governor (representing the OpenTrack’s interests before the International Board) and First Officer (directly commanding the executive functions of the project) has developed a system wherein Officers are trained to take on increasing levels of responsibility. The team is divided into three main sections: Academics (Alpha), Communications (Ksi), and Operations (Omega). Each Officer is responsible for their domain, but they are also trained and expected to see the bigger picture.

The key concepts of the OpenTrack Team include Servant Leadership and intrapreneurship. This structure ensures that the OpenTrack is not just a one-time event but a growing institution with a strong foundation of organizational wisdom.

In the early years, members of the OpenTrack Team were handpicked by Germano, he himself handpicked to build the project from scratch by the IEO Secretary in a phone call he remembers with trepidation to this day. However, as the competition matured, a more structured selection and recruitment process was developed. Today, Officers are responsible for recruiting within their sections, and the selection process includes formal role descriptions, interviews, and a focus on IEO Alumni.

This approach ensures that the team is composed of passionate and capable individuals who are committed to the OpenTrack's mission. Germano is especially proud of the fact that no Officer so far has stayed on the Team for just one year: all of them have at least two IEO cycles under their belt.

Looking ahead, Germano envisions the OpenTrack as the innovation hub of the IEO. Over the years, many ideas that originated in the OpenTrack have been implemented in the main IEO competition. The OpenTrack’s flexibility allows for experimentation and creativity, which can then be scaled up to the main event.

In terms of outreach, Germano emphasizes the importance of slow, sustained efforts to explain the OpenTrack’s value (and the key fact that anyone, absolutely anyone can join) to national organizers and participants as well as to very important internal stakeholders: his colleagues at the IEO Executive Board, which must grant approval on a year-by-year basis to execute the project. By extending the competition’s registration cycle calendar and improving communication and outreach, the OpenTrack aims to reach more students and educators worldwide.

Germano outlines several best practices for other organizations aiming to establish a similar Alumni network, highlighting the importance of structured engagement and resource-sharing.

— Provide Clear Pathways for Alumni Involvement. The first step is ensuring Alumni feel welcome to remain involved after the competition. Offering structured opportunities — such as mentorship programs, specialized webinars, or exclusive events — helps maintain a connection between past and current participants.

— Foster Collaboration Across Generations. Germano stresses the importance of creating collaborative environments where different generations of participants can interact.

Alumni mentors can offer practical guidance on navigating the complexities of Economics outside the competition context, allowing younger participants to benefit from a more comprehensive learning experience — and ease their way into higher education and the professional world.

— Leverage Digital Platforms for Continuous Engagement. In today’s digital world, keeping Alumni connected is easier than ever. The IEO OpenTrack uses online platforms to facilitate communication, organize webinars, and hold discussions that keep Alumni engaged with current events in Economics. Germano recommends digital tools such as Slack, Discord, messenger group chats, or even specialized forums, to create virtual agoras where Alumni can share resources, discuss economic and technological trends, and collaborate on projects.

Alumni mentors can offer practical guidance on navigating the complexities of Economics outside the competition context, allowing younger participants to benefit from a more comprehensive learning experience — and ease their way into higher education and the professional world.

— Encourage Alumni to Contribute to Curriculum Development. A powerful aspect of the IEO OpenTrack is its focus on the IEO Syllabus. Alumni who have succeeded in the competition often have valuable input on how the materials can be updated to reflect evolving trends in Economics — after all, they are often studying it in the world’s top universities. Germano notes:

— Create Long-Term Value for Participants. For Germano, the success of the IEO OpenTrack is also measured by the long-term impact it has on participants. The competition isn’t just a one-time event but rather a stepping stone in a continuous journey of learning and growth.

The IEO Alumni network fosters connections that go beyond the classroom. Through access to professional communities and ongoing educational opportunities, IEO participants have a platform for personal and academic development that extends into their careers.

The IEO OpenTrack serves as a model for how Alumni can contribute to the evolution of an intellectual competition and ensure that its impact lasts far beyond the event itself. Through structured engagement, digital tools, and opportunities for ongoing learning, Germano’s vision of the IEO OpenTrack as an Academy of Alumni is becoming a reality. His insights offer valuable guidance for any organization looking to harness the power of its Alumni, turning them into active contributors to the growth and success of future generations.

By establishing a strong, interactive Alumni community, the IEO has set a new standard for competitive events that aim to provide lifelong learning opportunities. Germano’s commitment to this vision ensures that the IEO will continue to fulfill its niche as a global platform for economic excellence, one where Contestants and Organizers grow together (many of them Alumni, having made the jump from Contestant to Organizer), share knowledge, and ultimately shape the future of Economics.