Together, Higher Education and Industry Create Stronger Communities

Every industry sector today navigates workforce challenges, technology shifts, and the need to grow sustainably. That's why now, more than ever, higher education must step forward-not just as a talent pipeline but as a true partner in our region's success. As deeply rooted community partners, higher education and industry can become stronger strategic collaborators to promote robust economic, educational, and social advancement. Institutions of higher education are strategic partners committed to serving their communities by helping businesses grow, supporting innovation, and building thriving communities.

A 2023 Chronicle of Higher Education public opinion poll reveals an opportunity: "Most people view higher education as an important means for individual attainment, but not necessarily for the greater good." Colleges and universities must tell the broader story: We are engines of economic development, hubs for new ideas, and connectors across sectors. To fulfill that role, we must keep asking how to work more closely with each other to strengthen our communities.

Develop Authentic Partnerships

We must move beyond transactional interactions toward genuine connections and mutual understanding. Certainly, industry professionals serve on academic program advisory boards to provide insights into current trends and employer needs. However, authentic partnerships require an investment of time and talent on an ongoing basis in both formal and informal environments to build the trust necessary for meaningful long-term collaboration. Our industry councils, local chambers, and economic development corporations can help orchestrate these conversations, but success comes down to the people in the room-and their willingness to connect, collaborate, and act.

Communicate Frequently and Honestly

Developing trustworthy communication between higher education and industry hinges on building genuine connections and mutual understanding. We must share what we are doing and why we are doing it. We need honest conversations about what's working, what's not, and where we're headed. That includes naming the limitations we face and the opportunities we see. It's how real trust grows. It's how effective partnerships will better serve our communities.

We must use existing networks more effectively. Let's host focus groups and working sessions. And let's talk about shared challenges-like how artificial intelligence is reshaping our classrooms and workplaces-so together we can prepare students and employees for this dynamic shift in how we learn and work.

Build Strategic Alliances

As educators, business leaders, and community voices come together to identify our communities' challenges and opportunities, we can create partnerships with a unified purpose. The workforce development pipelines must include a spectrum of learning opportunities for traditional college students and working professionals. Building a thriving regional economy requires more than producing job-ready graduates. It requires us to align, adapt, and act-together. Higher education and industry must co-create a workforce system that is flexible, future-focused, and accessible: 

• Certificate and micro-credential programs to quickly respond to evolving needs.
• Reskilling and upskilling opportunities for career changers and lifelong learners.
• Customized training programs developed in partnership with employers.
• Flexible learning models-in-person, online, or hybrid.

Beyond providing a steady stream of new graduates ready to work or serving on advisory boards to help shape curriculum, higher education and industry can do far more working together.

• Support startups through student-driven projects in areas like market research, business planning, or financial analysis.
• Present findings and research of faculty and students to industry leaders.
• Serve as innovation hubs, allowing companies to set up centers where faculty, students and business professionals can collaborate.
• Provide boot camps to help local businesses grow and adapt to changing markets.
• Sponsor cutting-edge research and test applications in real-world settings.

Strong communities aren't built in silos-they're built through shared purpose and genuine partnership. If we want our region to grow, our businesses to thrive, and our students to succeed, we need to keep talking to each other. Let's show up, listen, and work together-not just as educators or employers but as partners committed to building something better for our region.

This column appeared in the April 2025 issue of Prairie Business.