The William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan
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The William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan
@wdavidsoninst.bsky.social
Our Mission: To power entrepreneurs, enterprises & ecosystems in emerging markets with the business tools to succeed and scale impact.
🚨 Launch Alert! WDI Publishing + Zell Lurie Institute @umich.edu kick off the "Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets: 2026 Case Writing Competition."
Submit an original case on entrepreneurship for a chance to win, get published, and inspire future leaders!

wdi.umich.edu/entrepreneur...
Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets: 2026 Global Case Writing Competition Launches to Spotlight Innovation and Challenges
WDI Publishing, in partnership with the University of Michigan’s Zell Lurie Institute, invites faculty, students, and practitioners to submit original case studies capturing entrepreneurial ventures i...
wdi.umich.edu
November 24, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Our latest e-newsletter is live! Inside:

🧭 Why WDI’s refreshed brand reflects the future
⚡ Partnering with ADB & U-M on e-mobility
🚀 New report on strengthening accelerators
🌍 NextBillion turns 20
💼 2026 Case Competition

https://bit.ly/3LTbBl1
November 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
“This strategy reflects the world we see emerging — and the one we want to help shape and sustain. It’s a signal that WDI is doubling down on what we do best: turning ideas into action and optimism into opportunity.” WDI CEO Wendy Taylor
wdi.umich.edu/from-contrac...
From Contraction to Confidence: Why WDI’s New Brand and Strategy Reflect the Future Taking Shape
Our refreshed strategy captures WDI’s evolution as a solutions-driven organization that works alongside entrepreneurs, enterprises, and ecosystems in critical sectors like clean energy, e-mobility, he...
wdi.umich.edu
November 18, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Thrilled to announce The University of Michigan, led by School for the Environment and Sustainability, WDI, and the Asian Development Bank have established a partnership to strengthen collaboration on sustainable development initiatives across Asia and the Pacific. wdi.umich.edu/news/asian-d...
Partnership aims to advance clean energy innovation in Asia Pacific
The University of Michigan (U-M), led by the School for Environment and Sustainability, the William Davidson Institute (WDI), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a memorandum of understanding ...
wdi.umich.edu
October 28, 2025 at 3:30 PM
A critical topic at a critical time! Our colleagues on the WDI Energy & E-mobility team join fellow experts to discuss “Navigating the critical minerals opportunity: Global Lessons for increasing local economic value” at Africa E-mobility Week #AEW2025. Details 👉 lnkd.in/dBFUwwQr
October 6, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Proud to be a Content Affiliate for the upcoming #NorthCapitalForum 2025, in Mexico City. On Oct. 6, WDI Senior Director Diana Paez will moderate a session on the investments the region needs to compete and grow across #cleanenergy
🔗 www.northcapitalforum.com/ncf25 #NCF25
October 2, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Our latest newsletter is here! Highlights:

- New partnership with Adaptive Change Advisors
- Join us Oct 1 for journalist Bill Spindle
- Youth #leadership with LEAP Africa
- Smarter #data, stronger #ecosystems
- Rethinking fast fashion

🔗 https://bit.ly/4nwGOId
September 18, 2025 at 2:01 PM
#EVs vehicles present both an opportunity and a dilemma for well-established automakers like General Motors. In the Case of the Month from #WDIPublishing authors plug into GM’s 2021 declaration to sell only zero-emission cars & light trucks by 2035. Learn more: bit.ly/3V2JUaU
September 9, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Michigan Undergrads! This is your final call to apply for cohort 1 (of 3) of our inaugural Entrepreneurship Exchange program! This free global entrepreneurship training experience is your virtual ticket to connecting w/ students from Egypt, Libya, Morocco. entrepreneurship-exchange.org
September 3, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Reposted by The William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan
Building Smarter Data Practices in Entrepreneurship Support Ecosystems: How Entrepreneurs, Investors and Other Stakeholders Can Drive Systemic Change

nextbillion.net/building-sma...

@wdavidsoninst.bsky.social #entrepreneurship #data #SocialEnterprise #ImpactInvesting #SocialImpact
Building Smarter Data Practices in Entrepreneurship Support Ecosystems: How Entrepreneurs, Investors and Other Stakeholders Can Drive Systemic Change
How entrepreneurship support ecosystems can improve their monitoring, evaluation and learning and data-sharing practices.
nextbillion.net
August 18, 2025 at 4:37 PM
From leadership milestones to climate tech maps, WDI’s Aug newsletter is packed with global insights.
🚀 Student entrepreneurs unite across continents
⚡ Bridging Africa’s data divide
💡 AI & sustainability at Microsoft
Read more → mailchi.mp/umich/back-t...
August 14, 2025 at 1:39 PM
We’re thrilled to announce a new strategic partnership with Adaptive Change Advisors to co-develop programs and platforms that empower leaders to innovate & drive transformation in emerging markets. Together, we’re bridging persistent gaps in the innovation ecosystem. wdi.umich.edu/news/wdi-par...
WDI Partners with Adaptive Change Advisors
WDI and Adaptive Change Advisors partner to deliver adaptive leadership programs, empowering leaders to drive innovation and transformation in emerging markets.
wdi.umich.edu
August 13, 2025 at 7:09 PM
The time for climate-related mitigation and adaptation is now, and climate tech is a critical tool to address these issues. Mapping the climate tech landscape is a first step—and WDI has recently completed a Climate Tech Ecosystem report on Chihuahua, Mexico. bit.ly/45uQqgp
August 5, 2025 at 2:59 PM
The #Philippines is transitioning to #EVs to cut fossil fuel imports, improve air quality & unlock economic opportunity. Our new report with ADB_HQ & Apl.de.Ap Foundation explores policy, market, & workforce trends to support this shift.
bit.ly/40DMLu2
July 29, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Our Energy & Mobility team is unveiling new research developed for the Asian Development Bank. "Accelerating Innovation in Transport – E-mobility in the Philippines" assesses the electric vehicle market, analyzes the current policy framework and key workforce needs. bit.ly/4liqRoj
July 9, 2025 at 1:56 PM
We’re hiring an Exec Assistant to the CEO & Student Engagement Liaison. Support leadership, engage with @michiganross.bsky.social students, and enjoy hybrid work + health & retirement benefits. Apply today: bit.ly/45PfsHZ #hiring #jobs
July 1, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Last week's deep dive discussions for the #glocal2025 conference yielded some incredible insights, new ways of thinking and novel approaches to yielding impact. We've put all four into this handy playlist, truly made these sessions worth your time.

wdi.umich.edu/news/wdi-hos...
June 10, 2025 at 4:58 PM
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Mini-MBA — our flagship collaboration with ‪the Stockholm School of Economics‬ in Riga. Launched in 2005, the certificate program equips professionals with a cross-functional understanding of business through a global lens. Heres to 2 great decades & more!
May 31, 2025 at 2:48 PM
📬 In WDI’s May newsletter:

🌍 Student consulting in 7 countries
⚡ Mapping Mexico’s climate tech
📊 Eval Week sessions on energy, equity & healthcare
📡 New case study for #WorldTelecommunicationDay
📉 What’s next for PAYGo solar?

#Read&Subscribe 👉 bit.ly/4mDh2m3
May 30, 2025 at 1:34 PM
WDI’s Energy & Mobility team mapped the #ClimateTech ecosystem in Chihuahua, 🇲🇽 with Startup Chihuahua & Startup Juárez to spotlight local innovation & empower entrepreneurs. Findings were shared at #ClimateWeek by Diana E. Paez. 🌱🔗 bit.ly/3H79acd #ClimateTechMexico
May 21, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Can a Costa Rican startup go regional? 💻 Discover how SPS Software tackled infrastructure & funding barriers to grow in LATAM’s tech scene. 📘 A powerful case for business classrooms.

🔗 bit.ly/4kohNO1

#WTISD #ITU160 #WDI_Publishing #CaseStudy
May 16, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Join us for 4 public sessions at #GLOCAL2025. We’ll explore how to data can inform healthcare startup investment, research-driven incubators, business engagement with community, and the systems behind a just energy transition. Be part of the conversations shaping the future.
bit.ly/44HbTDb
May 13, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Heather Esper, Director of our Performance Measurement & Impact team, provides a masterclass on measuring impact and improve outcomes for ESOs. But any type of organization can follow these steps to enhance credibility, attract funding, and adapt operations and strategy.
bit.ly/434aB2r
An Impact Measurement and Management Master Class
Learn about key strategies for assessing and improving impact. Heather Esper, Director of WDI's Performance Measurement & Impact team, provides a masterclass focused on entrepreneur support organizations - including business incubators and accelerators. However, any type of organization can follow these steps to enhance credibility, attract funding, and adapt operations and strategy. The April 2025 talk, organized with Villgro Africa, was part of the Regional Innovation & Entrepreneurship Summit for East Africa, hosted by ASSEK - the Association of Startup & SMEs Enablers of Kenya. Find the resources mentioned in the recording: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LQVsVB627aNODF928K0-kKw5Qw4ZPmT6-1j7y2BPDNQ/edit?tab=t.0
bit.ly
May 8, 2025 at 4:35 PM
That’s a wrap on MAP! 🎉 WDI sponsored 9
@michiganross.bsky.social MBA projects this year, with 36 students working in 🇮🇳🇻🇳🇺🇬🇲🇽🇪🇹🇰🇪🇩🇴. From healthcare to entrepreneurship, they tackled real-world challenges in emerging markets. #GlobalImpact #BusinessForGood 👉 bit.ly/3GEatiB
May 6, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Since 1995, Jill Elliott, Human Resources Generalist at WDI, has shown up with brightness, encouragement and support. In recognition of her 30 years with WDI, Jill was honored with 30 tulips and other tokens of appreciation from the team!!! Thank you for everything you do, Jill!
May 1, 2025 at 5:58 PM