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Author

Arun Maira

Arun Maira is a thought leader on social and economic development and transformational change and leadership. Some of his recent books are (1) Redesigning the Airplane While Flying: Reforming Institutions; (2) Transforming Capitalism: Improving the World for Everyone; and (3) Discordant Democrats: Five Steps to Consensus. He is a frequent speaker at international forums on the reform of institutions.

Arun Maira is Chancellor of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of HelpAge International; Chairman of the Foundation for MSME Clusters; and President of the Consumer Unity and Trust Society of India.

He was a Member of the Planning Commission of India from 2009 to 2014, and a Member of the National Innovation Council. He was Chairman of The Boston Consulting Group in India from 2000-2008. Earlier, he worked with the Tata Group for 25 years in senior management and board positions.

Arun Maira has been Chairman of the Quality Council of India, Save the Children India, and the Axis Bank Foundation. He has served on the boards of the UN Global Compact and several social work organizations and educational institutions in India and abroad. He has also served on the National Council of the Confederation of Indian Industry for many years.

His new book, Listening for Well-Being: Conversations with People Not Like Us, will be published in August 2017.

Hi-res headshot.

Articles by Arun Maira

Climate Change: Can Today’s Societies Make Big Choices?

Innovations in public decision-making and consensus-building require a richness of participation and inclusion, not just tech tools.

October 22, 2017

The Problem With Direct Democracy: The Case of California

Direct democracy is now easier than ever. But raw public input without first improving democratic processes is dangerous.

October 21, 2017

The Architecture of Democracy’s Processes

It is not enough for a democracy in the 21st century to make decisions by up-down majoritarian votes.

October 21, 2017

Can Technology Facilitate Democracy? The Case of India

Technology might help countries like India with government services, but it’s no silver bullet for the business of governance.

October 15, 2017

India: Economic Future and Coalition Politics

Despite the desire for strong leadership, India still fears the autocracy of single-party rule and a powerful central leader.

December 17, 2013

India: Learning to Collaborate, Learning to Implement

Will India's policies and projects move forward or be mired in contentiousness and confusion?

December 17, 2013

India: Inclusion, Governance and Enterprise Strategy

Rethinking three dimensions of India’s future.

December 17, 2013

Three Scenarios for India’s Future

What are the steps required for India to have a brighter future?

December 17, 2013

Planning for the Future of Democracy: The Four L’s

In the battle between governments and markets, can global problems be solved by localization, lateralization, learning and listening?

April 24, 2012