[2][6] Prior to academia, Narula worked as an engineer at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology and later as a planning analyst at IBM Asia/Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong.
Narula's academic and professional interests focus on innovation, R&D alliances, emerging economies and the role of multinational enterprises in industrial development.
In addition Narula has worked for the United Nations, and has also consulted and advised a number of agencies including the European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Narula's research and consulting have focused on the role of multinational firms in development, innovation and industrial policy, R&D alliances and outsourcing.
He is also co-author of the acclaimed textbook International Business, with Simon Collinson and Alan Rugman, which is in its seventh edition.