For example, student teams working with faculty might be the right solution. Or our initiatives’ staffs might be deployed. Or WDI Publishing could be called upon to help partners develop case studies that expand understanding.” Clyde is working to orient the Institute toward its original vision “to equip economic decision- makers in these emerging countries with the tools of commercial success,” as Davidson put it back in 1992. “That vision is based on the recognition that profitable entities are the quickest path to growth,” he added. WDI Board Chairman Scott DeRue, current dean of U-M’s business school, looks forward to strengthening ties with the Institute. The partnership with WDI is “one of the most important that Ross has,” he noted, and spoke of even greater things to come. “Our ability to collaborate and work together on business solutions to the world’s most important challenges is unique and essential,” he said. “Together, we can do special things for the global community.” Ravi Anupindi, faculty director for the Center for Value Chain Innovation at Ross and a WDI board member and research fellow, suggested that the Institute keep doing what it does best. “I hope WDI will continue its impactful work in resource-constrained geographies of the world, engaging with a variety of stakeholders — including the private sector — to develop practical solutions for pressing economic problems,” he said. “I would also like to see it continue to generate influential thought leadership while providing opportunities for student learning and faculty scholarship.” Ethan Davidson, William Davidson’s son, said his father’s passion to encourage people to live up to their potential should be the rallying cry for the Institute 25 years from now and beyond. “I think he would like to see the Institute continue to empower people to access their intellectual assets, their entrepreneurial assets, that they inherently have in their being,” he noted. “And really, to give them the facility to build value.” Longtime WDI board member Ralph Gerson said that in the coming “I think he would like to see the Institute continue to empower people to access their intellectual assets, their entrepreneurial assets, that they inherently have in their being. And, really, to give them the facility to build value.” Ethan Davidson A Continuing Commitment 78 William Davidson Institute