Marking five years of global impact
In 2018, we set out to make our mark on the world.
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With the support of our partners and collaborators, we have implemented global projects, delivered transformative initiatives and embraced actions dedicated to improving lives through business. We are delighted with the research that we have supported, the communities we have constructed, and the impact achieved, and we look forward to continuing this journey.
This webpage highlights some of our work and impact achieved throughout the last five years, with an ambition to continue to achieve impact at scale
Our Story
Created by a generous donation by Tony and Maureen Wheeler five years ago, the Wheeler Institute for Business and Development aims to transform the role of business in addressing some of the toughest global challenges of our times - from inequality, poverty and poor health to global conflict and climate change.
Dharma Life Labs
Dharma Life, the Wheeler Institute and Siriti, have come together to bridge the gap in our understanding of rural India to provide an unfiltered presentation of challenges, insights and opinions of the rural population with recommended solutions.
3,441,825
lives impacted
21
partners
$5,760,000
estimated capital unlocked
African History through the Lens of Economics
In Spring 2022. more than 27,000 people from over 160 countries and 1,000 universities and academic institutions participated in the African History through the Lens of Economics open online course. As a first of its kind run at London Business School, the course combined insights into cutting-edge research with the establishment of a large and engaged community of individuals from across the world, working together to identify evidence-based practices to address the challenges of economic development in Africa. The lecture series was awarded the European Economic Association’s Award for Innovation in Teaching in 2023.
27,000+
registrations
160+
countries
77%
from Africa
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We create impact through research
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Research funding
The Wheeler Institute is committed to amplifying research that addresses economic and social challenges in the developing world as well as supporting early career researchers. The Wheeler Institute Call for Proposals and PhD awards have been continuously supporting rigorous academic research within the London Business School community.
Geographic Information System workshop 2023
In 2023, the virtual online workshop on Geographic Information System (GIS) methods for quantitative spatial data analysis was conducted by the Wheeler Institute, marking its fourth consecutive year. With a primary focus on the study of development in Africa, the workshop equips researchers with cutting-edge research methods and offers a versatile toolkit applicable to a wide range of research areas. From environmental studies to urban planning, the knowledge gained in the GIS workshop empowers researchers to address complex challenges using geospatial data and to create captivating visual representations of their data. The workshop saw an unprecedented number of registrations and participants, demonstrating the continued success it has achieved in previous editions.
1,000+
registrations
90
countries
270+
selected participants
from
We make positive change in communities around the world
Voice of the Village
The Voice of the Village roundtable series connects Dharma Life’s rural women entrepreneurs with a network of academics and global partners to identify and discuss the challenges faced by communities in rural India. These roundtables create inclusive communities of practice to help villagers lead themselves and their communities on the path of progress.
Alexandra, Johannesburg Research
The Wheeler Institute supported empirical research conducted in the township of Alexandra in Johannesburg, South Africa on informal entrepreneurship in emerging markets. A three-article series explored the challenges faced by microentrepreneurs, the institutional ecosystem in which they operate, and the way forward to best support them.
We care about our planet
Business Schools for Climate Leadership
Business Schools for Climate Leadership (BS4CL) is a unique partnership between eight of Europe’s leading business schools to help present and future leaders combat the climate crisis facing the planet. "The Wheeler Institute for Business and Development represents London Business School on this initiative
We discuss topical issues affecting livelihoods
We inspire future leaders
Development Impact Platform, Zambia
The Development Impact Plarform is a collaboration project with Zambia Medicines and Medical Supply Agency and the University of Zambia on how to improve equitable distribution and access to healthcare. The opportunity was created to support MBA students in their pursuit to broaden their understanding of their impact as future business leaders.
Global Impact Programme, Senegal
The Global Impact Programme analysed the National Pharmacy of Supply in Senegal to address issues relating to stock shortages, oversupply and expiration of medicines. A project in collaboration with Pharmacie Nationale d’Approvisionnement, Institut Africain de Management, Africa Resource Centre and Professor Jérémie Gallien.
We connect global business communities
Global impact
Where are we making a difference? Find out more about the work of the Wheeler Institute globally.
