Located at the University of Michigan, the William Davidson Institute is an independent, non-profit research and educational organization guided by its founding principle that thriving businesses drive economic development and improve social welfare in low- and middle-income countries.
Contact Information:
Diana Paez, dianapc@umich.edu
Mission: To equip economic decision-makers in emerging countries with the tools of commercial success.
At the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan, unlocking the power of business to provide lasting economic and social prosperity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is in our DNA. We gather the data, develop new models, test concepts and collaborate with partners to find real solutions that lead to new opportunities. This is what we mean by Solving for Business—our calling since the Institute was first founded as an independent nonprofit educational organization in 1992. We believe societies that empower individuals with the tools and skills to excel in business, in turn generate both economic growth and social freedom—or the agency necessary for people to thrive.
We apply our extensive experience working with firms in LMICs to develop business models with a focus on professional education, healthcare, finance, and energy, in addition to offering measurement and evaluation services. Our engagement model involves WDI staff, research fellows, faculty from the University of Michigan, faculty from other leading business schools, and/or teams of University of Michigan graduate students working with our clients to develop solutions. These solutions are tailored to the clients’ comparative advantage while accounting for the constraints and opportunities specific to the target market.
Education: We harness the latest thinking in education and business, and put it into action through training and consulting projects.
Through our Entrepreneurship Development Center we collaborate with partners to design innovative programs and curricula customized for both aspiring and established entrepreneurs. We also train local trainers on technical content and pedagogy so they can deliver the programs effectively. Additionally, our Global Virtual Learning Center advances the practice of global virtual learning to create international linkages and promote economic growth in LMICs.
Energy: We work with energy and mobility innovators and entrepreneurs in LMICs to help them leverage the transition away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy by developing and scaling profitable business models. We identify individuals, communities and companies developing innovative approaches generating power and connect them with the expertise, knowledge, and tools to build profitable enterprises.
Finance: We identify and implement ways for funders and financial institutions to profitably lower the cost of capital available to small and medium enterprises in emerging economies. We conduct independent research and work with faculty and students at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business on projects designed to develop innovative mechanisms to lower the cost of capital.
Healthcare: We provide consulting services to a wide variety of health-focused organizations with current or potential operations in LMICs. Whether it’s maximizing vaccine coverage, improving access to specialty care, or securing access to reproductive health supplies—we assist these organizations to enter new markets, expand existing operations and improve their performance.
Performance Measurement and Improvement: We design and implement context-specific measurement tools and learning processes for both for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations in LMICs. Our team specializes in applying multidimensional assessments?, while also integrating business indicators, to create unique insights into the effectiveness, sustainability and scalability of our clients.
WDI collaborated with a consortium led by the Center for International Private Enterprise on the Livelihoods Innovation through Food Entrepreneurship (LIFE) Project, funded by the U.S. Government. During 2017-2020, the LIFE Project established two Food Enterprise Centers (based in Istanbul and Mersin, Turkey) where entrepreneurs participated in an entrepreneurship incubation program and had access to shared kitchen space for testing and producing their products.
WDI managed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Entrepreneur Certificate Program in Rwanda, equipping 330 women entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed to expand their enterprises. In cooperation with the School of Finance & Banking in Kigali, the program was offered 12 times from 2008 to 2015. During the six-month certificate program, participants created a detailed, actionable business plan.
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