Tarun Khanna

Tarun Khanna is a professor at Harvard Business School and a scholar known for his work on emerging markets, particularly in South and East Asia. His research and writings focus on entrepreneurship, economic development, and the challenges faced by businesses operating in developing economies. As the Jorge Paulo Lemann Professor at Harvard Business School, Khanna has authored numerous influential books including "Billions of Entrepreneurs: How China and India Are Reshaping Their Futures and Yours" and "Trust: Creating the Foundation for Entrepreneurship in Developing Countries." His work has been widely cited in academic literature and policy discussions about international business strategy. Khanna serves as the Director of Harvard University's Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute and has held various board positions in organizations spanning multiple countries. His research has earned recognition through awards from the Academy of Management and the Strategic Management Society. Beyond his academic work, Khanna has been involved in venture capital activities in developing markets and serves as an advisor to multinational companies and governments on strategy and policy matters. His contributions to understanding emerging markets have made him a frequently consulted expert on global business development and entrepreneurship in developing economies.

Readers appreciate Khanna's detailed research and real-world business examples, particularly in "Winning in Emerging Markets" and "Trust." Business students and entrepreneurs cite his practical frameworks for understanding developing economies. Common praise: - Clear explanations of complex markets - Balance of academic research and case studies - Useful insights for practitioners working in emerging markets Common criticism: - Some find the writing style dry and academic - Examples can feel dated after several years - Readers want more actionable recommendations Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "Winning in Emerging Markets" - 3.8/5 (500+ ratings) "Trust" - 3.9/5 (300+ ratings) Amazon: "Winning in Emerging Markets" - 4.3/5 (90+ reviews) "Trust" - 4.4/5 (50+ reviews) One business reader noted: "Khanna breaks down emerging market challenges without oversimplifying." Another commented: "Strong analysis but needed more practical steps for implementation."

Billions of Entrepreneurs: How China and India Are Reshaping Their Futures and Yours (2007) An analysis of how entrepreneurs in China and India are driving economic growth and social change while facing distinct institutional and cultural environments.

Winning in Emerging Markets: A Road Map for Strategy and Execution (2010) A systematic examination of the challenges companies face when operating in emerging markets, with frameworks for analyzing institutional voids and developing effective strategies.

Trust: Creating the Foundation for Entrepreneurship in Developing Countries (2018) An exploration of how trust networks function in developing economies and their role in enabling entrepreneurial success across different cultural contexts.

Leadership to Last: How Great Leaders Leave Legacies Behind (2021) A study of leadership principles and practices based on interviews with established leaders in South Asia who have created lasting impact in their fields.

Lant Pritchett studies economic growth and education in developing countries at Harvard Kennedy School. His research on state capacity and development economics parallels Khanna's focus on emerging markets.

Yasheng Huang analyzes business and entrepreneurship in China at MIT Sloan School of Management. His work on Chinese capitalism and state-business relations complements Khanna's research on Asian economies.

Dani Rodrik examines globalization and economic development at Harvard Kennedy School. His research on industrial policy and institutional economics addresses similar themes as Khanna's work on emerging market development.

William Easterly focuses on foreign aid and economic development at New York University. His analysis of development economics and institutional barriers to growth aligns with Khanna's examination of entrepreneurship challenges in developing nations.

Ha-Joon Chang studies development economics and institutional change at University of Cambridge. His work on the role of institutions and state policy in economic development connects with Khanna's research on emerging market environments.