Expanding opportunities through intentional partnerships

At the New York Times DealBook Summit in early December, a U-M task force led by President Domenico Grasso brought together leaders from across the innovation and business ecosystem for a conversation about how universities and the private sector can help revive the American Dream.

Joining President Grasso were Steve Case, co-founder of AOL and CEO of Revolution; Kevin Plank, founder and CEO of Under Armour; Neil Blumenthal, co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker; Carolina Pluszczynski, acting CEO of Michigan Central; and Shivani Siroya, founder and CEO of TALA.

The experts explored why prosperity feels increasingly concentrated in only a few regions; they also examined how research universities can expand opportunities nationwide by generating ideas, supporting startups, driving technological breakthroughs, and partnering more intentionally with industry.

They discussed how innovation districts, public/private collaboration, and emerging technologies such as AI can create jobs, strengthen communities, and widen access to economic mobility. The session illuminated how the unique combination of American universities, businesses, and civic organizations has created an unparalleled business and discovery environment. Participants highlighted the critical need for more collaboration to build and advance an increasingly inclusive and dynamic innovation economy.