Purpose: This article aims to deliver synoptic perspectives on the evolution taking place in corporate university management best practice. Design/methodology/approach: The insights are based on the author's co-creative client experience in the design, management and impact studies of this business and organisation development intervention. The text and narrative imagery provide contextual insights into the many challenges and pivotal issues that have to be addressed and resolved if the potential of the corporate university is to be fully realised as a definitive agency for managing the psyche of the learning organisation in knowledge-intensive environments. Findings: The article articulates the timeline evolution of the new-generation corporate university concept and introduces practical frameworks for configuring and upgrading these platforms through higher levels of value-added design and development. Practical implications: Provides a breakthrough perspective on the real-time co-creative multi-disciplinary environment, infrastructures and transferable skill sets around which viable new generation company solutions are being designed and sustained. Originality/value: The article will be of special interest to those career-minded professional managers and academics who wish to envision the new genre of the corporate university and be well informed about the concepts, practicalities and professionalism required for success. (Contains 8 figures and 1 table.)