Assistant Professor
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
University of Texas at Dallas
anavir.shermon@utdallas.edu

Anavir Shermon
My research focuses on entrepreneurial strategy and technology & innovation management with the goal of understanding how firms (large and small alike) build new products and compete in high-tech industries. I have explored various facets of this question through empirical studies of the commercial drone industry, carbon nanomaterials, and e-commerce, using advanced econometric and causal inference tools.
I teach a master's-level course titled Technology Strategy & New Product Development (syllabus). This case-based class broadly examines strategic and organizational issues that firms face with regard to innovation and product development. The upcoming administration of this class in Fall 2025 will include a significant AI element, where we will examine how AI can be used to improve innovation processes and inform decision-making throughout the product development lifecycle. Additionally, in Fall 2025, I will teach a Ph.D. seminar titled Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship covering relevant academic research.
Beyond academia, I enjoy engaging with industry, advising startups on strategy (particularly with new product development and launch), and conducting speaking engagements on technology management, innovation strategy, and entrepreneurial strategy. Past projects have included collaborating with the Global Chemicals Practice at the McKinsey & Company and advising my family business.
Previously, I completed doctoral and master's degrees at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a bachelor's degree in Industrial & Operations Engineering at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.
If you are interested in any of the above and wish to collaborate, please contact me via email. I spend significant time in Dallas-Fort Worth, Toronto, and Mumbai, and would be happy to arrange an in-person meeting if you are located in any of these regions.