Drawn from the 7th Glion Colloquium held in 2009, this volume considers the role of research universities in an innovation-driven global society. Whether in the "old world" of Europe and North America or in rapidly developing nations, the message is clear: innovation has become the key to prosperity and social well-being in a hypercompetitive global economy.


Part I introduces several forms of economic, technological, and social innovation.
Part II discusses agents of innovation from the points of view of a research university, industry, and national innovation policies.
Part III presents university leaders from long-established and emerging institutions to compare how regional and institutional characteristics shape innovation strategies.
Part IV focuses on approaches to innovation at national and institutional levels, including a U.S. approach to energy challenges, the shift of high-tech industry toward open innovation, and the challenges of creating world-class universities.
Part V addresses the intellectual character of innovation and its relationship to the university's mission.


Today's economy requires not only leadership in innovation but also educated citizens capable of applying technology, talent, and capital in new ways. Institutions of higher learning must collaborate with industry and government to create a climate and culture that enable innovation to thrive.