PDI Fellows Academy Preparations Accelerate Across Tennessee and the Midsouth

Preparations are continuing at a rapid pace for the inaugural Porter Development Initiative Fellows Academy, which will convene June 23–26, 2026 at Vanderbilt University as part of the Tennessee Leaders Action Platform (TLAP).

The Academy is designed as a strategic executive working forum bringing together approximately 130 senior leaders from business, investment, universities, government, foundations, and the nonprofit sector to strengthen Tennessee’s long-term regional competitiveness and shared prosperity.

Unlike a traditional conference or networking event, the Academy is focused on practical collaboration, data-driven strategy, and the development of regional action initiatives designed to strengthen innovation ecosystems and economic opportunity across Tennessee and adjoining regions.

The Academy is distinguished by three major components:

Harvard Business School Case Curriculum

Participants will engage case studies examining regional competitiveness, innovation ecosystems, industry clusters, and cross-sector collaboration using frameworks that build on the research and teaching of Professor Michael Porter at the Harvard Business School, as well as other experts.

Tennessee Competitiveness Scorecard and Regional Cluster FactBooks

Developed in collaboration with the U.S. Cluster Mapping Project, the Academy will deploy the first integrated competitiveness benchmarking effort focused specifically on Tennessee and the Mid-South region.

TLAP Regional Initiatives Inventory

The Academy in collaboration with Oak Ridge Associated Universities is also creating the first structured regional inventory of initiatives related to innovation, workforce development, collaborative governance, and quality of life to help regional delegations identify opportunities, strengthen alignment, and avoid duplication of effort.

Several major milestones have recently been completed or are now underway, including:

• scheduling of regional Fellows Orientation sessions across Tennessee,
• completion of the Tennessee Competitiveness Scorecard and eight Regional Competitiveness FactBooks,
• confirmation of speakers for the capstone panel on Research, Innovation Hubs, and Competitiveness,
• Appointment of Academy Scholars-in-Residence for the faculty,
• and publication of Academy delegate materials and work-session resources.

The Academy is intended to serve as the launch platform for an ongoing statewide leadership and collaboration structure focused on:

• accelerating regional innovation ecosystems,
• strengthening university-business partnerships,
• improving workforce and talent alignment,
• advancing cluster competitiveness,
• and expanding economic opportunity beyond major urban centers.

Additional announcements regarding Academy faculty, regional delegations, sponsors, publications, and program activities will be released in the coming weeks.

‍