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How GEM is helping Detroit’s mobility ecosystem grow through new relationships, shared insight, and expanded access
You’ve probably heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” At GEM, we believe it’s both — and something more. In a complex, fast-moving industry like mobility, what really drives progress is connection. Who’s in the room, who’s invited into the conversation, and who knows that opportunity even exists.
Since its inception in 2022, the Global Epicenter of Mobility (GEM) has focused on creating a more connected mobility ecosystem in Southeast Michigan. Through research, convenings, and hands-on collaboration, GEM helps organizations of all sizes discover new partners, expand their thinking, and work together in ways that benefit both business and community.
Moving Beyond the Usual Networks
GEM’s work is built on the understanding that strong partnerships open doors — to resources, to innovation, and to the untapped potential that lives in every corner of our region. But often, organizations aren’t aware of who’s out there or how they might align.
“One of the biggest challenges we see is that many organizations are eager to bring opportunities to the communities they serve, but they’re disconnected from the mobility industry,” said Jeannine Gant, Inclusive Growth Officer at GEM. “They can’t begin to explore what’s possible if they don’t even know the opportunity exists. Our role is to help bridge that gap, so more people and places can be part of shaping what’s next.”
To better understand those gaps, GEM undertook a connectivity study in 2023 that mapped relationships among mobility-related organizations in the Detroit Region. The findings revealed both strong clusters of collaboration and areas where connection was missing. This work is ongoing, with plans to repeat the study regularly to measure how the ecosystem strengthens over time.
From Transactional to Transformational
In response to feedback from partners across the ecosystem, GEM launched a hands-on convening titled Collective Impact: Driving Change in Our Mobility Ecosystem. This immersive experience brought together organizations from different sectors, sizes, and geographies to work in small groups on real-world challenges.
We learned of a manufacturer having difficulty finding workers with the right technical skills to maintain and repair electric bicycles. That conversation led to an unexpected connection with Urban Neighborhood Initiatives (UNI), a nonprofit in Southwest Detroit that operates Southwest Rides, a youth-focused bike and skate shop that also provides training in mechanical and shop skills. The connection sparked a new opportunity for UNI to explore e-bike repair services, creating a pathway for youth and a solution for the manufacturer.
“That’s what so much of our work is really about,” said Gant. “We want to expand who we see as part of this work and recognizing the assets that already exist in our communities.”
Making the Ecosystem More Visible
Throughout the immersive experience, a common theme emerged. Companies often said, “We just don’t know where to find people.” But the truth is, they’re already here — doing the work, growing talent, and looking for ways in. What’s needed isn’t more effort, but a wider lens.
The immersive experience was designed to help participants remove blinders and see what’s already in front of them. It’s not just about building new partnerships; it’st’s about changing the narrative of who belongs and making space for those who’ve long been ready but overlooked.
Impacting the future
While this event yielded powerful connections, GEM knows that building a truly connected ecosystem takes time. That’s why GEM will continue to foster opportunities for shared insight and collaboration. The goal is not just to support new business growth, but to ensure that no person, business, or organization is left behind if they want to engage in the mobility economy.
Stay tuned to GEM’s blog for ongoing updates, stories, and the data behind the work. When we widen the lane, we create more room for everyone to move forward.
Jeannine Gant
Mobility Growth Officer
Global Epicenter of Mobility