In partnership with Michigan Ross School of Business
Since 2017, the VP Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (VPCEI)—part of Vietnam Partners LLC—has partnered with Michigan Ross and the William Davidson Institute (WDI) to host the Multidisciplinary Action Project (MAP) in Vietnam. Acting as a vital local anchor, VPCEI facilitates MAP in-country by providing infrastructure, local networks, and expertise—bridging MBA students with Vietnamese enterprises, policymakers, and entrepreneurial stakeholders.
MAP, Michigan Ross’s flagship experiential learning initiative, embeds student teams in real-world business challenges—offering them hands-on, immersive consulting experiences that translate classroom theory into strategic action plans. Through the VPCEI-hosted Research & Policy Labs in Vietnam, MAP projects gain local impact and relevance, ranging from market entry to innovation ecosystem development.
This long-standing collaboration underscores VPCEI’s commitment to enhancing Vietnam’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by channeling global educational resources—like those from Ross and WDI—into high-impact ventures and national innovation initiatives.
The Michigan Ross MAP Project, when hosted in Vietnam through VPCEI and WDI, can help both businesses and governments in several high-impact ways:
For Vietnamese Businesses
- Access to Global Expertise: MBA teams bring fresh perspectives, analytical frameworks, and global best practices that many local firms may not have in-house.
- Strategic Problem-Solving: Students work on real challenges such as market expansion, digital transformation, supply chain optimization, and ESG integration.
- Innovation Acceleration: Exposure to cutting-edge business models and technology trends can help companies fast-track product or service innovation.
- International Network Expansion: Businesses gain direct connections to the University of Michigan alumni network, potential partners, and investors worldwide.
- Low-Cost, High-Value Consulting: The project delivers high-quality research and actionable recommendations at a fraction of the cost of hiring top-tier consulting firms.
For Vietnamese Government & Policymakers
- Policy Research & Recommendations: MAP teams can study global models for startup policy, investment frameworks, or sustainability programs, tailoring them for Vietnam.
- Capacity Building: Government agencies benefit from exposure to international analytical approaches, data tools, and benchmarking techniques.
- Public-Private Collaboration Models: Projects often bridge the gap between business needs and regulatory frameworks, fostering dialogue for better policy design.
- Promotion of Vietnam’s Image: Hosting international MBA projects strengthens Vietnam’s reputation as an emerging innovation hub and investment destination.
- Evidence-Based Decision Making: Students’ research provides data-driven insights to inform policy reforms and development strategies.
ABOUT THE STEPHEN M. ROSS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan (branded as Michigan Ross) is a world-renowned business school at the University of Michigan, a leading public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Originally established in 1924 as the School of Business Administration, Michigan Ross has grown into a global leader in business education. Today, it offers a wide range of programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as comprehensive executive education programs. Michigan Ross also collaborates with other colleges and schools within the University of Michigan to provide valuable dual degree opportunities.
Michigan Ross is distinguished by its commitment to action-based learning, which immerses students in real-world business challenges. The school boasts a distinguished faculty, cutting-edge research, and a strong emphasis on developing ethical and impactful leaders. Michigan Ross maintains a substantial endowment, reflecting its financial strength and commitment to excellence.
