The PAPSI Summer Program 2025 offers an immersive experience centered on digital economics, entrepreneurship, and finance. Running from July 14 to July 28, students will reside on campus in residential dorms, providing a vibrant and collaborative living-learning environment. The program features lectures and academic seminars led by distinguished professors, informative sessions on U.S. graduate school applications, engaging discussion panels about career development with University of Wisconsin-Madison alumni, and guest speakers from international organizations. Program activities include:
LECTURES, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS
Lectures by distinguished professors:
- Lecture Series 1 – Entrepreneurship & Finance
- Professor: Dr. Martin Ganco
- Professor | Management and Human Resources
- Academic Director | Weinert Center for Entrepreneurship
- Robert Pricer Chair in Enterprise Development
- Professor: Dr. Martin Ganco
Course Highlights
Explore the core principles of entrepreneurship, gaining deep insights into the origins of innovation, organizational support for entrepreneurial activities, and the critical role of strategic human capital in successful ventures.
Learning Goals
This course is designed to help students develop creative ideas, identify business opportunities, and learn how to transform these ideas into successful entrepreneurial projects in real-world scenarios.
- Lecture Series 2 – Digital Economy
- Professor: Dr. Allen Li
- Associate Professor | Operations and Information Management
- Michael and Mary Sue Shannon Professor
- Professor: Dr. Allen Li
Course Highlights
Delve into the core issues of the digital economy, examining how information and coordination strategies enhance the value creation process of digital platforms. Explore how digital platforms innovate distribution channels, optimize supply chains, and transform interactions between businesses and customers to drive commercial growth.
Learning Goals
Gain an understanding of the application of information technology in the digital economy and learn how to develop coordination strategies to address challenges in complex business environments.
Lecture Series Seminars
- Business Models and Business Plans, by Prof. John Surdyk
- Venture Capital Exits, by Prof. Dan Olszewski
- Introduction to Blockchain and DeFi, by Kevin Chen
Workshop Series I: Entrepreneurship in the United States (for MBA)
This workshop series offers invaluable knowledge and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to succeed in the U.S. market.
- Workshop 1: Entrepreneurship Process and Fundraising Experience
Speaker: Yong Zhao, CEO of Junzi Group, Entrepreneur, and Business Leader
Gain insights into the end-to-end process of starting a business, from ideation to execution, and learn firsthand strategies for securing funding from an experienced entrepreneur.
- Workshop 2: What Venture Capitalists Look For
Speaker: Dr. Pingrong Yu, Silicon Valley Venture Capitalist, Entrepreneur, and
Business Leader
Discover the key factors that attract venture capitalists, including business models, scalability, and innovation, from a seasoned investor and entrepreneur.
- Workshop 3: The Endgame of Entrepreneurship: Wall Street
Speaker: [Anonymous], Senior Manager on Wall Street
Explore how entrepreneurial ventures intersect with Wall Street, focusing on IPOs, mergers, and long-term financial strategies.
- Workshop 4: Legal Challenges for Foreign Entrepreneurs in the U.S.
Speaker: Dr. Jian Zhou, Practicing Attorney and Doctor of Law
Learn about the legal considerations for foreign entrepreneurs, including visa requirements, intellectual property rights, and compliance with U.S. business laws.
Workshop Series II: Studying in the United States (for undergraduate)
This series is designed for undergraduate students aspiring to apply for graduate or PhD programs in the U.S., offering guidance and insights into the application process, research opportunities, and academic development.
- Workshop 1: Research Sharing – Industry Policy and the Chinese Economy
Speaker: Dr. Panle Barwick
Learn from Dr. Barwick’s expertise in industry policy and its impact on the Chinese economy, gaining valuable insights into advanced research methodologies and their applications.
- Workshop 2: Research Sharing – Leveraging Data Science and Machine Learning for Financial Analysis and Sustainability
Speaker: Dr. Jing Yi
Explore the intersection of data science, machine learning, and financial analysis, with a focus on sustainability. This workshop provides practical and theoretical knowledge for applying cutting-edge techniques to real-world problems.
- Workshop 3: The Path to Advanced Studies – Graduate School Application and Admission: A Matching Game
Speakers: Dr. Lu Han and Dr. Guanming Shi
Understand the intricacies of graduate school applications in the U.S., including how to identify the right programs, craft strong applications, and navigate the admission process as a strategic matching game.
- Workshop 4: Legal Challenges for Foreign Students in the U.S.
Speaker: Dr. Jian Zhou, Practicing Attorney and Doctor of Law
Learn about the legal considerations for foreign students, including visa requirements (F-1, J-1), work authorizations (CPT/OPT, H-1B), and maintaining legal status. Gain a clear understanding of the U.S. legal landscape to navigate your academic and professional journey effectively.