The past few years have reshaped how we think about business and entrepreneurship, and as we approach the winter holidays, it feels like an ideal moment to pause, learn, and find inspiration. Global challenges, rapid technological progress, and shifting values continue to redefine what it means to build and lead successful companies. In this environment, books remain a valuable source of insight, offering a balanced mix of theory, experience, and practical lessons.
From understanding the foundations of growth and innovation to exploring new approaches to teamwork, culture, and technology, recent publications have provided clear and timely guidance for entrepreneurs and professionals. These books highlight how modern business leaders can adapt, learn, and thrive in a changing world.
Here is a selection of the best-rated books from 2022 to 2025 (alphabetically ordered) that reflect the ideas shaping today’s business landscape. Each one offers a unique perspective on leadership, decision-making, and the forces driving global change. They also make thoughtful gift options for entrepreneurs, founders, and professionals looking to start the new year with fresh ideas!
Breakneck by Dan Wang
In Breakneck, Canadian writer and economist Dan Wang explores China’s efforts to position itself as a leader in industrial and technological innovation. Drawing on research and personal observation, he explains how government policy, education, and manufacturing have combined to transform the country’s economy and global influence.
The book, published in 2025, offers valuable lessons on industrial strategy, entrepreneurship, and innovation ecosystems. It shows how long-term planning and state-backed ambition can reshape industries and what other regions might learn from China’s approach to engineering and production.
Chip War by Chris Miller
In 2022, Chip War, by the American historian Chris Miller, tells the story of how semiconductors became central to global power and economic progress. It examines the competition between nations and companies to control chip production, which now underpins everything from artificial intelligence to defence and consumer technology.
The book provides important context for understanding modern supply chains and strategic industries. For entrepreneurs and business leaders, it underlines the importance of foresight, innovation, and resilience in navigating complex global markets. Chip War won the 2022 FT Business Book of the Year Award.
Growth by Daniel Susskind
In 2024, British economist Daniel Susskind released Growth: A History and a Reckoning, a book that explores the meaning and limits of economic growth. He examines how societies measure progress and whether endless expansion is compatible with sustainability and social wellbeing.
The book invites readers to rethink traditional economic goals and consider how innovation, productivity, and policy can create a more balanced future. It is a thoughtful guide for anyone interested in how growth will shape business and society in the decades ahead. Growth won the FT Business Book of the Year Award in 2024.
How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg & Dan Gardner
Danish researcher Bent Flyvbjerg and Canadian writer Dan Gardner’s How Big Things Get Done look at why some major projects succeed while others fail. The authors use real-world examples, from architecture to technology, to show how careful planning and flexible management lead to better results.
This book, published in 2023, offers clear and practical insights into decision-making, project management, and risk. Entrepreneurs and leaders can learn how to approach ambitious goals more effectively and avoid the common mistakes that derail big initiatives.
Lucky Loser by Russ Buettner & Susanne Craig
Published in 2024, Lucky Loser by American journalist Russ Buettner and Canadian journalist Susanne Craig offers an in-depth investigation into the financial history of Donald Trump. Drawing on years of reporting and access to confidential records, the authors examine how Trump built, maintained, and portrayed his business empire, along with the discrepancies between public image and financial reality.
The book provides a detailed account of the systems, loopholes, and strategies that shaped Trump’s business trajectory over several decades. For entrepreneurs and business leaders, it serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and responsible financial management in any organisation.
Right Kind of Wrong by Amy Edmondson
Published in 2023, Right Kind of Wrong by American academic Amy Edmondson examines how individuals and organisations can learn from failure. She introduces the idea of “intelligent failure,” which occurs when people take thoughtful risks and use mistakes as opportunities to grow.
The book provides a practical framework for creating environments that encourage innovation and psychological safety. It is especially relevant for startups and teams that rely on experimentation and learning to achieve progress. Right Kind of Wrong won that year’s FT Business Book of the Year Award.
Supremacy by Parmy Olson
Supremacy by British journalist Parmy Olson explores the global race to develop artificial intelligence and its impact on business, technology, and society. Drawing from her reporting experience, Olson reveals how competition, policy, and ambition are shaping the next generation of AI innovation.
The book, published in 2024, highlights the challenges that entrepreneurs and governments face as they navigate rapid technological change. It provides a balanced view of opportunity and risk, making it a timely read for anyone working with or investing in emerging technologies. That same year, Right Kind of Wrong won the FT Business Book of the Year Award.
The Corporation in the 21st Century by John Kay
British economist John Kay released The Corporation in the 21st Century in 2024. The book challenges common assumptions about how modern businesses operate and argues that many corporate structures and strategies are outdated and need to adapt to new social and economic realities.
The book offers a clear and well-reasoned analysis of corporate purpose, governance, and accountability. It encourages leaders to focus on long-term value rather than short-term gains, a message that resonates strongly in today’s business environment.
The Thinking Machine by Stephen Witt
In 2025, American author Stephen Witt published The Thinking Machine, an exploration of the evolution of artificial intelligence and the people behind its development. He explains how breakthroughs in computing and data science have transformed AI from a theoretical idea into a central force in global business.
Witt’s writing blends storytelling with deep technical understanding, making complex topics accessible. For entrepreneurs, the book offers an engaging look at the technologies that are reshaping industries and creating new opportunities worldwide.
Tribal by Michael Morris
Published in 2024, Tribal by American psychologist Michael Morris examines how human behaviour, identity, and group instincts shape collaboration and leadership. The book shows how understanding these dynamics can help organisations build stronger teams and prevent cultural divides in the workplace.
It offers insights into how leaders can use empathy and awareness to create inclusive environments that drive performance and trust. For founders and managers, Tribal is a practical guide to managing culture and connection in diverse, global teams.
By the way: If you’re a corporate or investor looking for exciting startups in a specific market for a potential investment or acquisition, check out our Startup Sourcing Service!
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2025/11/top-rated-reads-10-of-the-most-acclaimed-business-and-entrepreneurship-books-to-check-out-this-christmas/
