Colleges and universities are turning to an increasingly diverse range of strategic partnerships to strengthen finances, accelerate innovation, support students, and respond to financial, demographic, policy, and technological change, according to the newly released 2026 Strategic Partnership Survey, conducted by The Chronicle of Higher Education and P3•EDU.
Based on responses from 418 presidents, chancellors, provosts, chief financial officers, and cabinet members, the survey finds that strategic partnerships have become a core institutional strategy as leaders seek new ways to advance their institutional missions in a rapidly changing environment.
The findings will be discussed at the 2026 P3•EDU conference, hosted by the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, November 2–4, where higher education and industry leaders will explore partnership strategies across workforce development, research, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, student success, athletics, and other emerging priorities.
Key Findings
Strategic partnerships continue to grow as a core institutional strategy.
More than 71% of institutions report that partnerships with private companies are increasing, while only 3% expect them to decrease. The greatest interest is in workforce development, artificial intelligence, health and mental health services, marketing and enrollment, and research commercialization, with research commercialization and sports partnerships posting some of the largest year-over-year gains.
Federal policy is reshaping institutional strategy.
More than half (52%) of respondents say recently proposed or implemented federal policies have changed their projected near-term revenue outlook. Among institutions whose partnership strategies have changed, nearly two-thirds (63%) say they are pursuing new partnerships specifically to help offset anticipated revenue or funding losses, demonstrating the growing role of partnerships in institutional resilience.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly expanding across campus—but measurable returns remain limited.
AI is now being deployed across teaching and learning, administration, research, enrollment, and student services at most institutions. Yet the majority of leaders say it is still too early to demonstrate measurable financial or operational returns, signaling that institutions are shifting from AI experimentation toward long-term implementation and value creation.
Institutions are expanding collaboration beyond traditional partnerships.
Nearly 1 in 10 institutions (9%) report they are actively exploring or engaged in confidential discussions regarding mergers, affiliations, formal consortia, or similar structural partnerships—a notable indication that colleges and universities are expanding collaboration beyond traditional public-private partnerships as they respond to long-term financial and demographic pressures.
“Higher education leaders are facing significant financial, demographic, and technological change,” said Michelle Marks, Chancellor Emerita of the University of Colorado Denver. “This year’s survey shows that institutions are pursuing a broad range of strategic partnerships—from workforce development and research commercialization to AI, healthcare, athletics, and student success. Strategic partnerships have become an important part of how institutions pursue their long-term strategic goals.”
The complete survey findings will be presented and discussed during the 2026 P3•EDU conference, providing a forum for college and university leaders, industry executives, policymakers, and other stakeholders to examine emerging partnership models and their implications for higher education.
P3•EDU is an annual conference focused on strategic partnerships in higher education. The conference brings together college and university leaders, industry executives, government officials, and foundation leaders to examine partnership models that support institutional mission, innovation, financial sustainability, and student success. The 2026 conference will be hosted by the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, November 2–4, 2026. For more information, visit p3edu.com.
