In emerging economies where many new universities are being developed, launch-critical aspects are under-recognized in the planning stages. New universities that are successfully launched and are sustainable have common characteristics right from the time that serious planning begins: a) clarity of vision and purpose, b) good governance, c) sound understanding of the market, d) early hiring of an experienced academic leader, e) a detailed faculty recruitment plan, f) academic policies in place before students matriculate and g) a formal (if) transitional organizational structure. (full article)