Research

Research Projects

The Harris Program funds faculty and student research projects that advance knowledge in the field of alternative investments. This delivers strategic insights used by decision-makers pursuing excellence in investing.

The Harris Program’s research draws on the expertise of Wharton faculty across many business disciplines. As a result, projects are frequently cross-disciplinary in approach and scope. Our research agenda recognizes both market forces and regulatory changes, as well as the ongoing globalization of financial institutions and services.

2024-2025 Research Grants

Private Equity, Corporate Acquirers, & Product Innovation: An Investigation of Corporate Science Acquisitions 1990-2022
Sathya Vijayakumar, PhD Student at the Wharton School

Strategic Bootstrapping and Startup Experimentation
Ndubuisi Ugwuanyi, PhD Student at the Wharton School

Faculty Research

Notable working papers and publications by Wharton faculty in alternative investments and other related financial areas can be found here:

Research Priorities

  • Optimal Contracts in Private Equity and Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Shareholder Activism
  • Corporate Governance and Board Design
  • Fundraising and Due Diligence
  • Distressed Investing and Restructuring
  • Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, and Financial Technology
  • Infrastructure Investment
  • Regulatory and Policy Considerations