News & Views

Russia's war in Ukraine has pressed NGOs to the limit. In partnership with the Weiser Center at the University of Michigan, WDI offered the NGO Leadership Workshop in Poland in late 2022. At the time, WDI shifted its curriculum to meet the needs of the many NGOs in the area serving Ukrainian refugees.

William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan has launched the Energy Innovation in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Global Case Writing Competition. Administered by WDI Publishing, this new contest is seeking innovative and expert business case studies that advance solutions to energy scarcity and sustainability. The first-place winner will receive $3,000, second-place $2,000, and third-place $1,000.

The University of Michigan students most dedicated to WDI's mission to equip economic decision-makers in emerging markets with the tools for success have earned special recognition as Davidson Field Scholars. WDI again is proud to welcome its next cohort of these important student contributors.

The William Davidson Institute celebrated its 30th anniversary with the Ralph J. Gerson Distinguished Lecture. The event welcomed entrepreneur and advocate Magatte Wade, who shared her captivating story and insights for a new era of African prosperity.

Culinary-focused travel has become a hot trend within the tourism sector in recent years. But can it be sustainable? WDI will host Yigal Schleifer, the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Culinary Backstreets, to discuss, “Crossing Borders and Cuisines: A New Flavor of Sustainable Tourism,” on Nov. 16 at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.

Magatte Wade, entrepreneur, author and advocate for African dignity and prosperity through business growth, will deliver the Ralph J. Gerson Distinguished Lecture at 7 p.m. Nov. 10. The discussion will be broadcast via Zoom. (Register here to join the event). 

WDI participated in the consortium of impact investment firms and studied the effects of a relatively new type of gender lens investing strategy: gender smart technical assistance (TA) activities.

As the mobility sector moves toward electrification, a massive shakeup among traditional auto players is underway. Our Energy team blogs about a new project with government & industry leaders in Chihuahua, Mexico to forge a roadmap for a strong e-mobility ecosystem.

The William Davidson Institute and the State of Chihuahua in Mexico will join together to research and develop a comprehensive strategic roadmap for the automotive manufacturing hub to transition to a competitive electric mobility (e-mobility) ecosystem. The partnership will explore the key elements of the emerging e-mobility ecosystem and the players necessary to make it possible.

The competition is sponsored jointly by WDI Publishing and the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. For 2022, a total of 52 cases were submitted to the competition, representing authors from over 40 universities across 12 different countries. Last year’s inaugural competition drew 30 submissions received by WDI Publishing, part of the William Davidson Institute (WDI) at the University of Michigan.