Dr. Pourya Darnihamedani

"To teach is to learn twice" 
Joseph Joubert

Dr. Pourya Darnihamedani is Assistant Professor at the center for Strategy, Organization & Leadership. He fulfills a multifaceted role that spans teaching, research, and mentorship, contributing to the Nyenrode’s mission from a holistic perspective. He is dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation of leaders, emphasizing the importance of diversity and sustainability in business practices. His academic research explores significant themes such as the impact of macro-level institutions on business dynamics, which enriches the curriculum and provides valuable insights to his students. Darnihamedani is particularly proud of his ability to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application, helping students and startups navigate the complexities of the current economic landscape. This blend of teaching, research, and real-world application energizes him, as he sees the direct impact of his work in preparing students to be thoughtful, innovative, and responsible business leaders.

Darnihamedani has a rich academic and professional background rooted in entrepreneurship and economics. Before his current role at Nyenrode Business University, he served as an assistant professor at Utrecht University and engaged in postdoctoral research at both Tilburg University and the Jheronimus Academy of Data Science (JADS). His educational journey is marked by a strong focus on strategic management, entrepreneurship, with specific interests in entrepreneurial diversity and the impact of macro-level institutions on business practices. Beyond academia, he has an extensive track record of advising startups, particularly in technology and social sectors, guiding them through growth phases and capital raising, especially in challenging economic climates. This blend of academic rigor and practical advisory experience defines his comprehensive approach to entrepreneurship and education.

Darnihamedani is deeply committed to Nyenrode’s mission of serving society by shaping responsible leaders for a sustainable future. He teaches students to be mindful of their actions and their impact on society, fostering critical thinking and ethical decision-making in his classrooms. His personal mission at Nyenrode is to nurture leaders who are not only skilled in business but are also conscientious global citizens, capable of creating sustainable value for their organizations and the wider community. Darnihamedani’s approach blends rigorous academic research with practical experiences from the startup world, providing a comprehensive education that prepares students to tackle the challenges of an interconnected world.

International activities

Darnihamedani has engaged in a range of international research and teaching activities, with a significant focus on entrepreneurship.

During his PhD in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Erasmus University Rotterdam, Darniuhamedani also spent three months at Trier University in Germany, which provided him an opportunity to collaborate with international scholars and broaden his research scope. His educational background is further supported by a Research Master’s in business studies, specializing in Strategic Management from Erasmus University, enhancing his expertise in delivering internationally relevant business education.

Personal interests

• Networking and attending conferences: Engaging with professionals and staying updated on industry trends.
• Cultural exploration: Learning about diverse educational and cultural practices worldwide.
• Travel: Exploring new destinations to gain fresh perspectives and inspiration.
  

Most relevant publications

• Darnihamedani, P., Block, J., Jansen, J. Forthcoming. Institutional reforms and entrepreneurial growth ambitions. International Small Business Journal.
• Darnihamedani, P., & Terjesen, S. (2022). Male and female entrepreneurs’ employment growth ambitions: The contingent role of regulatory efficiency. Small Business Economics. 58, 185-204. 
• Liebregt, W., Darnihamedani, P., Postma, E., & Atzmuller, M. (2020). The promise of data science methods for research on entrepreneurial decision making: Detecting social signals during human interactions. Small Business Economics, 55(3), 589-605. 
• Darnihamedani, P., Block, J., Hessels, J., & Simonyan, A. (2018). Start-up costs, taxes and innovative entrepreneurship. Small Business Economics, 51(2), 355-369. 
• Darnihamedani, P., & Hessels, J. (2016). Human capital as a driver of innovation among necessity-based entrepreneurs. International Review of Entrepreneurship, 14(1), 1-25.