About

About Us

We’re not just solving for business—
we’re solving for the future.

At the William Davidson Institute, we believe the businesses of today can solve the challenges of tomorrow. As an independent nonprofit affiliated with the University of Michigan, we collaborate with businesses, mission-driven organizations and governments to strengthen markets, scale innovation and create sustainable impact.

Join us. Together, we’ll unlock the future.

Our Vision

A world where thriving businesses in emerging markets are at the forefront of fostering healthy and sustainable futures.

Our Mission

To power entrepreneurs, enterprises, and ecosystems in emerging markets with the business tools to succeed—and scale impact.

Amy Gillett shakes hands with M2GATE participant

Our Guiding Principles

BUSINESS DRIVEN: Believe in the power of business and well-functioning markets to drive economic growth and social prosperity

IMPACT FOCUSED: Accelerating impact for today and tomorrow’s challenges with the most advanced 21st century business tools and insights

BOLD AND OPTIMISTIC: Undaunted by problems that seem unsolvable; bring revolutionary optimism

RADICALLY INCLUSIVE: Inclusive in how we hire, connect, communicate, collaborate, and partner

DO WHAT’S RIGHT: Champions of honesty, integrity, and equity

FAST MOVING, AGILE AND ADAPTIVE: Always striving to learn and adapt quickly

EXCELLENCE …in everything we do

Our Story

MAP students holding Michigan Ross flag

Our University of Michigan Connection

The William Davidson Institute is an affiliate of the University of Michigan. Our Board of Directors is composed of leaders appointed by both U-M and the Davidson family. We partner with faculty and innovators across disciplines within U-M, a premiere public research university.

A Legacy of Leadership

William Davidson was a pioneer in business, philanthropy, sports-entertainment and education.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of Soviet-era communism, Davidson partnered with U-M to found the Institute at a time of incredible global economic transformation. In his 1992 dedication speech launching WDI, Davidson challenged conventional wisdom and issued a call for inclusive impact: “We are co-workers for the cause of economic and social freedom.”

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