Becoming an Industry-Responsive University

As competitive pressures intensify and traditional revenue sources come under strain, university leaders are turning with renewed urgency to industry partnerships—not only as a tool for revenue diversification, but as a strategic lever for bolstering institutional relevance, public confidence, and regional impact. Federal policy shifts and workforce-focused funding initiatives are adding momentum, creating new incentives to partner across sectors.

But while most institutions already maintain numerous industry relationships—in research, advancement, professional and adult education, athletics, and more—these efforts are often fragmented and transactional. Few campuses have a cohesive, campus-wide strategy for engaging industry that aligns efforts across units and creates long-term value for both the institution and its partners.

This session will explore how university-industry partnerships must continue to evolve in today’s market and the role that senior leaders need to play in moving from scattered initiatives to an integrated, ‘outside-in’ strategy oriented around industry needs. Participants will learn how to establish a clear institutional vision for industry engagement, along with the critical steps and internal infrastructure needed to support it. We’ll also cover practical imperatives such as partnership principles, cross-unit coordination models, stakeholder mapping and feedback loops, and executive-level involvement in managing key partner relationships.

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