Collective Brains Academy

Badri Gopalakrishnan's journey in the realm of economics is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary brilliance and visionary leadership. With two decades of diverse and impactful experience, he has charted an extraordinary path that traverses academia, entrepreneurship, policy-making, and strategic consultancy. A luminary of economic thought, Badri has wielded his expertise to shape policies and strategies that resonate across borders. His pivotal role as Joint Secretary at NITI Aayog, spearheading the trade, international cooperation and Vision India@2047 verticals, showcased his remarkable leadership as he reported to the Prime Minister of India through the Vice Chairman and CEO. This esteemed position underscored his acumen for navigating the intricate fabric of international relations and commerce. 

An entrepreneurial spirit courses through Badri’s veins, demonstrated by his role as the Founder and Director of Infinite Sum Modeling. This pioneering firm, with its global footprint, is a testament to his ability to fuse economic insight with cutting-edge technologies like AI, Business Analytics, Data Science, Machine Learning, and Blockchain. His commitment to innovation and transformation has been a cornerstone of his career. As an academic, Badri’s influence extends far beyond his own accomplishments. Serving as a Courtesy Professor of International Trade at Oregon State University and an Affiliate Professor of Applied Economics at Boston College, he imparts wisdom to emerging minds. Badri’s consultancy journey is marked by his role as a Consulting Lead Economist at McKinsey & Company, where he honed his skills in economic modeling and advised Fortune 500 companies on crucial strategies. His insights have encompassed diverse domains, from government and transportation to retail, chemicals, and agribusiness. This capacity to decode complexity and devise solutions is a hallmark of his career. With over 150 research papers and 8 books published in prestigious journals and popular media outlets, Badri’s influence ripples through the world of economics. His work, cited thousands of times, has not only contributed to academic discourse but has also informed policies and decisions by organizations like UN, IMF, World Bank, and governments across the globe. His voice resonates in esteemed institutions like Harvard University, Purdue University, and London School of Economics. 

Beyond his accomplishments, Badri’s mentorship abilities shine as he guides PhD students and post-doctoral fellows at the University of Washington Seattle and contributes to the academic growth of his students. His role as a mentor serves as a testament to his commitment to fostering the leaders and thinkers of tomorrow. Badri Gopalakrishnan's career exemplifies the true potential of interdisciplinary excellence, visionary leadership, and the enduring impact of economic insights. As a torchbearer for change, his journey inspires us to envision a world where economics is a force for sustainable and inclusive progress.