“Shulman brings a sociologist’s lens, an entrepreneur’s spirit, and a wealth of practical wisdom to the formidable task of transforming higher education. He shows how to create market-driven intermediaries that connect and support an otherwise fragmented landscape of mission-driven universities. Theoretically rich with fascinating case studies, The Synthetic University is essential reading for university leaders, educational entrepreneurs, and philanthropists.”—Rob Reich, Stanford University, author of Just Giving: Why Philanthropy Is Failing Democracy and How It Can Do Better

“Under attack, under pressure, and underappreciated, higher education is at an inflection point. A long-standing observer and steward of scholarly organizations, James Shulman posits a bold way forward that preserves the distinctiveness of universities’ missions while heightening cooperation among them in order to scale collective impact and expand access to research and learning.”—Alondra Nelson, Harold F. Linder Professor, Institute for Advanced Study