Creating new technical universities in emerging countries

The leadership in many emerging and developing countries has come to understand that a base of technically competent residents is a necessary component to developing economies that can compete effectively in the international marketplace. This has led to the initiation of major new technical education institutions within such countries, often in partnership with existing universities in developed countries. This paper describes the recent development of several new technical universities in emerging countries, citing common elements and issues. The author has been deeply involved in the founding and growth of the three new institutions covered. The role of collaborations with institutions in developed countries is discussed, as is the rationale of the leadership of each of the countries currently involved in this trend.