Dr. Harry Barkema

Biography

Harry Barkema has focused for over 20 years on understanding, teaching, and improving organizations ranging from micro-enterprises and social enterprises to multinational companies and NGOs. His research interests lie in innovating practices and processes to foster economic goals and human flourishing among key stakeholders, particularly marginalized groups in society, such as those in Africa and South Asia. He completed a five-year research program funded by the Advanced European Research Council, focusing on purpose-driven organizations and the meaningful work they provide to marginalized groups in the global South. His findings have been published in leading management and entrepreneurship journals including the Academy of Management Journal, Strategic Management Journal, and Organization Science. As the founder and director of the Master's in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship program at the Department of Management, he has integrated rigorous evidence-based training with action-based learning. Harry is currently leading the Social Innovation Lab for Human Flourishing to enhance knowledge and skills to enable organizations in Africa and South Asia to innovate at the grassroots level. He has previously served as a professor of Corporate Strategy at Tilburg University and has extensive experience training employees across various industries in Europe, North America, and beyond.

Research Interests