A highlight since the last newsletter was the generous gift from Venkat and Pratima Srinivasan to enable Northeastern University students to pursue socially impactful projects in emerging markets. A dozen students have won Srinivasan Family awards so far to work on projects in countries such as Brazil, Ecuador, Guatemala, Ghana, and India.
As part of the Vivek and Vandana Sharma India Initiative, the Center for Emerging Markets (CEM) organized in October 2022 a summit on “US-India Partnership for Innovation,” in collaboration with the Consulate General of India (New York), to celebrate 75 years of India's independence. It featured ministers, senior policymakers, and CEOs, and focused on innovation in several sectors. CEM was also deeply honored to host India's ambassador to the United States for a closed session on India-US relations. And the SmartIDEAthon social venture pitchfest, co-sponsored by CEM and hosted by Gitam University in Visakhapatnam in August 2022, is on its way to becoming the best-in-its-class in India.
CEM's advisory board added its first representative from Africa, Mezuo Nwuneli, a seasoned and highly decorated entrepreneur. The board had another productive online meeting in early December, with members participating from four continents. CEM faculty fellows continue to win recognition for their professional contributions and continue to publish influential books and articles, some of which are featured in the latest issue of Insights@CEM.
Distinguished scholars enrich the life of the university by giving talks as part of the Nardone Family Seminar series and by participating in international conferences organized by faculty fellows.
It is also gratifying that more students are engaging with the Center and its events. Best wishes for the holiday season and for a wonderful new year.