During the past several decades, several “highly-resourced, accelerated research universities” have been established around the world to pursue—and achieve—academic and research excellence. These institutions are entirely new, not existing universities that were reconfigured. Accelerated Universities provides case studies of eight such universities and highlights the lessons to be learned from these examples. Each of the cases is written by someone involved with leadership at the early developmental stages of each university, and provides insights that only senior executives can illustrate. Accelerated Universities shows that visionary leadership and generous funding combined with innovative ideas can yield impressive results in a short time. Universities aspiring to recognition among the top tier of global institutions will find this book indispensable. “In the 21st century nations compete intellectually more than ever and heavily invest in the business of ideas. When starting one such program for Russia we studied the experience of startup universities in other countries—both already world-class and those in their nascent stage. This book contains eight such captivating stories of the accelerated buildup of universities, aiming to become drivers of economic diversity and prosperity of their countries.” – Viktor Vekselberg, President, Skolkovo Foundation and global entrepreneur “ Accelerated Universities provides a unique perspective on the success of eight young, generously-funded universities. This study offers a significant contribution by providing analysis and insight to understand how these institutions achieved international recognition and respect within a relatively short period of time following their creation. This work confirms that there is space on the international landscape for new world-class universities. Guided by exceptional leadership, money and ideas can lead to exciting innovation.” – Henry Rosovsky, Geyser University Professor and Dean of Arts and Sciences Emeritus, Harvard University