NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Universities in emerging economies have shown they have a key role to play in the response to the coronavirus crisis, through both cutting-edge research and development (R&D) and pioneering approaches to teaching and studying.

Higher education institutions around the world have adopted a range of different models in reaction to the pandemic. Some are working more closely with governmental bodies, while others are cultivating partnerships with the private sector; some are acting independently, while others are coordinating with other higher education institutions; and some are sharing their research and insights freely, while others are developing for-profit approaches in order to guarantee the sustainability of initiatives.

However, within this diverse panorama, it is possible to identify three main areas in which universities are making major strides.

Photo courtesy of sergio santos.