How do industrial firms in developing countries contend with and survive acute shortages of physical infrastructure? Gulyani examines the impact of inadequate power and freight transportation on the costs and competitiveness of Indian automobile firms and the innovative coping strategies that firms devise. Using in-depth firm-level surveys and supply-chain analysis, this study provides a unique perspective into the infrastructure problem and possible solutions. It identifies unconventional approaches and solutions that firms and governments can use to improve industrial access to infrastructure.

SUMILA GULYANI works on infrastructure projects at the World Bank. She received her doctorate in Economic Development and Urban Planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1998. She also holds a masters' degree in architecture and in city planning.