Centers & Institutes

Exciting things are happening within our centers, institutes, and special program initiatives. Here’s a collection of recent stories and updates.

The Bolivian flag with its national coat of arms overlaid by a graph of plummeting natural gas production

The rise and fall of Bolivia’s state-led growth model

Once a “socialist miracle,” Bolivia now faces historic inflation and gas shortages, exposing the risks of state-led growth.

Two MBA students standing in front of their project poster with the founder of Via’s Cookies

Cookies that do more than satisfy a sweet tooth

Big Red Microenterprise students reflect on helping strengthen Via’s Cookies’ local market presence.

Inventors and engineers working in an office.
Dyson School

The talent spark: How inventors fire up startup ecosystems

New research from SC Johnson College examined how the arrival of inventors in U.S. counties influenced the growth of startups from 2000-2016.

A person inserts a green Visa debit card into a black point-of-sale terminal on a granite countertop.

Why fintechs are winning in Nigeria while telcos dominate elsewhere

African telecom companies have built thriving fintechs in East Africa. But they are struggling to grow in more competitive markets like Nigeria.

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How the state-owned electrical utility in Mexico won over global capital markets

Fibra E established a benchmark for how state-owned enterprises (SOEs) can mobilize global capital toward national development objectives.

Four women dressed in business professional attire in front of an “MBA Women in Investing Conference” banner. From networking to knowledge at the MBA Women in Investing Conference

From networking to knowledge at the MBA Women in Investing Conference

Rebecca Liu MBA ’27 reflects on her experience attending and presenting at the 2025 MBA Women in Investing Conference.

Katelynn Wiseman and Miya Deng, seniors in the Nolan School of Hotel Administration, present their startup, ALK.
SC Johnson College

Wellness bar proposal wins hospitality pitch deck competition

The winning team’s reimagining of the traditional hotel bar features kava- and CBD-infused cocktails.

A view of Manhattan from Roosevelt Island, New York City

How the Undergraduate Women in Investing Conference Makes Investment Research Field Feel Accessible and Collaborative

Sophia Thompson ’28 reflects on her experience at the 2025 Undergraduate Women in Investing Conference hosted by the Parker Center for Investment Research.

Two people hold a big cake while three others hold the knife, poised to cut.
Johnson School

Emerging Markets Institute renamed in honor of Gail and Rob Cañizares ’71, MBA ’74

The Cañizares Center for Emerging Markets educates MBAs, engages leaders, funds research, and recognizes alumni excellence.