Engines of Innovation

“Thorp and Goldstein have hit the mark. Promoting innovation in higher education is one of the best things we can do for our country’s global competitiveness and economic future, and this book points the way forward.” — Michael R. Bloomberg, mayor of New York City

“Universities have enabled the American dream and are among our nation’s greatest competitive strengths. However, the costs of a university education are unsustainably high, and there is pressure on virtually every traditional source of revenue. Universities must transform themselves, yet they face numerous barriers to change — starting with the tenure system. This book, by one of the new generation of innovative university presidents together with a leading venture capitalist, describes how universities can embark on a whole new path. The book is full of ideas for university leaders, trustees, alumni, philanthropists, and the business community.” — Michael E. Porter, Bishop William Lawrence University Professor, Harvard Business School

“Thorp and Goldstein bring an urgent and timely message: American universities must fundamentally transform in order to assure America’s global competitive leadership in the 21st century. Simply put, if colleges foster an entrepreneurial culture, innovation will flourish, both within our academic institutions, and more broadly throughout the economy. This outstanding book paves the way forward.” — John Denniston, partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers

“Engines of Innovation inspires, guides, and informs universities on collaboration, structure, sustainability, cost, and practical details of designing and achieving maximum potential for entrepreneurship programs. This fascinating read is an excellent resource for helping universities connect with the world beyond their campuses.” — Deborah D. Hoover, president and CEO of The Burton D. Morgan Foundation

“Packed with ideas about how to transform universities into wellsprings of solutions to global problems.” — David Bornstein, author of How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas

“It is widely recognized that innovative entrepreneurs play a critical role in the technical progress and economic growth of our society. With the help of this excellent book, colleges and universities can begin to design and more effectively to establish programs in entrepreneurship.” — William J. Baumol, academic director of the Berkley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, New York University

“A growing chorus of voices is insisting that the world’s great problems will be solved only through innovative thinking and that such thinking can best be found at the research university. Right at the forefront of this group are Holden Thorp . . . and Buck Goldstein . . . and they lay out a persuasive case in Engines of Innovation.” — BizEd

“Thorp and Goldstein make a strong case for their vision.” — Raleigh News & Observer

“Cover[s] the importance of enterprise, leadership, changing culture, responsibility, and much more. . . . A vital entry into any community or college library collection that features insights into the future of education and societal change.” — Midwest Book Review

“An intriguing book.” — Metro