Stephen Anderson

Research Statement

Steve’s research focuses on the role of marketing and entrepreneurship in emerging markets. In particular, he is interested in solutions that can enhance the productivity and performance of entrepreneurs running small firms. Most of Steve’s work uses randomized-controlled trials to rigorously evaluate what works in stimulating small business growth, and also to uncover how and why these changes occur. He has completed field studies in South Africa (on business training) and Ghana (on new methods for measuring firm performance). Moving forward, Steve is working with thousands of entrepreneurs to study the impact of solutions ranging from international ‘remote coaching’ models (Uganda) and mobile-based information and analytics tools (Rwanda) to managerial insourcing and outsourcing programs (Nigeria) and loan products for increasing investment in productive assets (Ghana). Through this research, Steve is also developing a data platform (ENTREinfo) to improve the measurement of financial/marketing information and the identification of growth-oriented entrepreneurs in emerging markets – which will (hopefully) assist policy makers and impact investors in designing and evaluating ‘enterprise development’ programs.

Bio

Steve joined Stanford GSB in the summer of 2015.  Having grown up on Vancouver Island, he was excited about the chance to return to the west coast!  In addition to his passion for competitive team sports, Steve has always enjoyed traveling and living internationally.  Before returning for doctoral studies, he gained industry experience in the technology start-up space, working with entrepreneurs in product management and tech-transfer roles.  This early interest in entrepreneurship has carried over to Steve’s present day research activities, only now he is focused on assisting entrepreneurs in emerging markets to innovate, find new customers and increase sales.  Steve shares these life adventures with his wife (Sophia) and their two little dudes (Jude and Sampson).

Academic Degrees

• PhD, London Business School, 2015
• MRes, London Business School, 2011
• MSc (Applied Economics), University of Minnesota, 2009
• MBA, Queen's University, 2005
• BCom, University of Victoria, 2001

Awards and Honors

• John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn Faculty Scholar, 2018-2019
• John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn Faculty Scholar, 2017-2018

Teaching

Degree Courses

2018-19

MKTG 249: MSx: Marketing

Every business has two kinds of problems: 1) Not having customers and 2) everything else. Marketing addresses the first problem. With increased access to information and fast-changing technology the role of marketing has broadened significantly....

2017-18

MKTG 249: MSx: Marketing

Every business has two kinds of problems: 1) Not having customers and 2) everything else. Marketing addresses the first problem. With increased access to information and fast-changing technology the role of marketing has broadened significantly....

2016-17

MKTG 249: MSx: Marketing

Every business has two kinds of problems: 1) Not having customers and 2) everything else. Marketing addresses the first problem. With increased access to information and fast-changing technology the role of marketing has broadened significantly....