Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Faculty & Research
  • Faculty
  • Research
  • Featured Topics
  • Academic Units
  • …→
  • Harvard Business School→
  • Faculty & Research→
Publications
Publications
  • Article
  • Journal of Economics & Management Strategy

Diasporas and Domestic Entrepreneurs: Evidence from the Indian Software Industry

By: Ramana Nanda and Tarun Khanna
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:22
ShareBar

Abstract

This study explores the importance of cross-border social networks for entrepreneurs in developing countries by examining ties between the Indian expatriate community and local entrepreneurs in India's software industry. We find that local entrepreneurs who have previously lived outside India rely significantly more on diaspora networks for business leads and financing. This is especially true for entrepreneurs who are based outside software hubs—where getting leads to new businesses and accessing finance is more difficult. Our results provide micro-evidence consistent with a view that cross-border social networks play an important role in helping entrepreneurs to circumvent the barriers arising from imperfect domestic institutions in developing countries.

Keywords

Diasporas; Entrepreneurship; Applications and Software; Information Technology Industry; India

Citation

Nanda, Ramana, and Tarun Khanna. "Diasporas and Domestic Entrepreneurs: Evidence from the Indian Software Industry." Journal of Economics & Management Strategy 19, no. 4 (Winter 2010): 991–1012.
  • Find it at Harvard
  • Purchase

About The Authors

Ramana Nanda

Entrepreneurial Management
→More Publications

Tarun Khanna

Strategy
→More Publications

More from the Authors

    • April 2025
    • Faculty Research

    Aramco: Navigating the Energy Transition

    By: Tarun Khanna and Samir Junnarkar
    • March 2025
    • Faculty Research

    Gavi and the 'Next' Pandemic

    By: Tarun Khanna and Samir Junnarkar
    • February 2025
    • Faculty Research

    India Stack: Digital Public Infrastructure for All

    By: Tarun Khanna
More from the Authors
  • Aramco: Navigating the Energy Transition By: Tarun Khanna and Samir Junnarkar
  • Gavi and the 'Next' Pandemic By: Tarun Khanna and Samir Junnarkar
  • India Stack: Digital Public Infrastructure for All By: Tarun Khanna
ǁ
Campus Map
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College.