Co-Creating Innovation: Advancing Incubator and Accelerator Success Through Participatory Research
Panel Discussion | Online
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Organized by:
The William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan
- In partnership with: LEAP Africa
About the Event
Accelerators and incubators drive innovation and entrepreneurship, but traditional models often overlook the unique needs of entrepreneurs and their communities. This session explores how participatory approaches enhance program effectiveness and inclusivity by actively engaging stakeholders in design, decision-making, and evaluation. Through case studies and best practices, the panel will showcase how co-creation leads to more adaptive, sustainable, and impactful startup support programs.
Speakers
| Name | Title | Biography |
|---|---|---|
| Abdullahi Ibrahim | Senior MERL Coordinator, LEAP Africa | Abdullahi is a researcher with a decade of experience in participatory approaches to program design, youth engagement, and research. A Fellow with the French Research Institute in Nigeria, he has co-authored key studies on social entrepreneurship, labor markets, and youth development across Africa. |
| Heather Esper | Director of Performance and Impact at the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan | Heather Esper has 18+ years of experience in impact measurement and management. She specializes in applying a system thinking lens in designing and implementing monitoring, evaluation, and learning solutions to assess and enhance the economic, social, and environmental performance of organizations. |