The partnership, established through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), aims to connect global expertise with local priorities to advance inclusive, low-carbon growth. Areas of collaboration include clean energy and e-mobility, climate and health, water and food security, and biodiversity protection.
Scott Morris, vice president of the Asian Development Bank, shared:
“By joining forces with the University of Michigan and the William Davidson Institute, ADB is reinforcing our commitment to empowering communities with knowledge, skills, and access to solutions that will build resilience, drive economic opportunity, and shape a more prosperous future for Asia and the Pacific.”
Experts from U of M and WDI will serve as academic and research partners to ADB’s teams and member countries, supporting projects that promote clean energy access, sustainable mobility, and equitable development. The collaboration also builds on ADB’s ongoing efforts to engage industry, government, and academia to strengthen energy resilience and regional capacity.
“This partnership underscores the University of Michigan’s commitment to global collaboration in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the energy transition,” said Jonathan Overpeck, dean of SEAS. “By connecting Michigan’s leadership in innovation and research with deep regional expertise across Asia and the Pacific, we can help advance equitable, resilient development.”
The agreement includes initiatives to accelerate e-mobility adoption, enhance supply chain innovation, and expand workforce development throughout the region. Earlier this year, WDI—supported by ADB—released “Driving a Just Transition to E-Mobility in the Philippines,” a research report examining policy and market trends across Southeast Asia.
“This agreement reflects WDI’s deep belief that innovation and thriving ventures are central to building healthier, more sustainable futures,” said Wendy Taylor, president and CEO of the William Davidson Institute. “By working alongside the University of Michigan and the Asian Development Bank, we’re creating pathways for inclusive economic growth that engage communities, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and accelerate progress toward a clean energy future—from Detroit to Manila.”
The collaboration will support joint research projects, training programs, student internships, and regional roundtables, creating opportunities for shared learning between Michigan-based experts and stakeholders across Asia and the Pacific.
By linking education and innovation, the partners aim to equip the next generation of sustainability leaders while fostering economic resilience in the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions.
