The Center for Emerging Markets (CEM) at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business is a leading research hub on how local and foreign firms can leverage emerging markets for the global good.
Founded in 2007 by Ravi Ramamurti, University Distinguished Professor of International Business & Strategy, CEM operates in three distinct areas, including a robust research agenda; significant work to influence business practitioners; and educational activities designed to prepare the next generation of business leaders.
Calling all undergrads! Apply to become a CEM Student Associate
Our Work
Seminars, workshops, and conferences for researchers from around the world. Additional opportunities for Northeastern faculty to engage with CEM.
Academic programs, learning opportunities, and grants for projects and research in emerging markets, open to undergraduate and graduate students at Northeastern.
Cutting-edge insights and recommendations on emerging market topics for managers, policymakers, and other members of the business community.
Latest News
Four MBA students from emerging markets were selected as the first recipients of the Revvity Access CEM Scholarship and participated in a two-day executive shadowing experience at Revvity's headquarters, joined by six undergraduate participants in a collaborative learning model.
Ten undergraduate students were selected as the first recipients of the DiSanto Student Engagement and Innovation Award and travelled to Washington D.C. over spring break for a four-day immersion program on commercial diplomacy and policymaking.
For nearly five decades, Ravi Ramamurti has expanded the lens of global business — challenging institutions to recognize the power and potential of emerging markets. As a scholar, teacher, and founder of Northeastern's Center for Emerging Markets, he has turned overlooked economies into central conversations in classrooms and boardrooms alike. By shaping research, influencing policy, and preparing students to lead in a shifting global landscape, Ramamurti exemplifies what it means to be an impact maker.
The Supreme Court's February 20th ruling that the President lacked authority under the IEEPA to impose tariffs marks a major shift in trade policy — with over $200 billion in collected duties now in question. CEM Faculty Fellow Professor Sonia Rolland examines the decision's far-reaching implications for businesses, global trade relations, and the balance of power between branches of government.
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Apr 2
Nardone Family Seminar: How I Use AI Tools To Manage My Personal And Professional Life
Apr 8
Nardone Family Seminar: Politics If You Dare: Political Activity by Emerging Market Tycoons
Apr 14
Nardone Family Seminar | The Elephant Moves: The State of India's Economy and Competitiveness
Insights @ CEM
Insights @ Center for Emerging Markets is a publication focused on cutting-edge ideas and advice for global leaders about emerging markets. It draws on the innovative research on emerging markets carried out by our faculty at Northeastern University and the broader global academic communities. Our next issue will be released in May 2026. Briefs from the upcoming issue are highlighted below!
Valderrey, Trigos, and Kaltenecker show that China's Belt and Road Initiative is driven less by building new infrastructure and more by acquiring existing assets through mergers and acquisitions. Analyzing Chinese outward investment from 2005 to 2021, they find that nearly three-quarters of total investment value went toward acquisitions rather than greenfield projects. While the BRI is often portrayed as a vast construction effort, the study suggests that Chinese firms frequently enter foreign markets by purchasing existing companies, ports, and infrastructure. These findings highlight the need for emerging market leaders to prepare not only for construction projects, but also for the legal, cultural, and negotiation challenges that come with changing ownership.
