By Lenore VanderZee, J.D., Ph.D., UEDA President & Vice President for Strategic Relations & Communications, SUNY Canton
The 2026 UEDA Washington Convening brought together higher education leaders, federal partners, and practitioners to examine one central question: how can universities more effectively advance their role in their regional economies while navigating a rapidly shifting federal landscape?
Across two days of sessions and discussions, several clear themes emerged, grounded in advocacy, alignment, and execution.
A Changing Federal Landscape Requires Clear Strategy
Conversations with federal agencies and policy experts reinforced that the environment for higher education is becoming more complex and more competitive.
Budget uncertainty, delays in agency funding, and proposed reductions to research investments are creating real challenges for institutions. At the same time, there is a growing emphasis on applied outcomes, with workforce development, industry engagement, and technologies aligned with national priorities like AI.
For universities, this means adapting to a landscape where:
- Federal priorities are shifting toward mission-driven, outcomes-based investments
- Agencies are coordinating more across domains, particularly in science and workforce initiatives
- Partnerships are key – agencies are looking for strategies that are grounded in regional strengths and anchored by cross-sector partners
- Institutions must be more proactive in navigating funding pathways and building relationships with program officers and regional representatives
Advocacy Starts with Storytelling and Local Impact
Sessions on Day 2 highlighted a consistent message: data alone is not enough.
Effective advocacy requires translating institutional work into clear, compelling stories that connect to policymakers’ priorities. Whether engaging in Washington or back home, the most effective approaches emphasized:
- Demonstrating impact through real-world examples
- Engaging partners like industry, students, and community stakeholders as messengers
- Aligning institutional priorities with federal interests while maintaining authenticity
Advocacy is not a one-time effort. It requires being persistent, resilient, and opportunistic, with a willingness to re-engage as leadership and priorities change.
Institutional Alignment Remains a Core Challenge
A recurring theme throughout the convening was the opportunity for universities to better align internally around economic development.
UEDA leadership reviewed a proposal to envision a new framework for university economic development as a way of reimagining in post-university center program. The facilitated discussion and feedback that continue to follow are helpful to position universities as a leaders for local and regional economic competitiveness.
Many participants acknowledged ongoing challenges:
- Traditional academic incentives still prioritize research outputs over economic and community impact
- Leadership buy-in is uneven, particularly for institutions still building their innovation and industry engagement capacity
- Organizational structures often lag behind the pace of industry and regional needs
At the same time, there was strong interest in developing clearer institutional strategies, defining where universities can lead, how they engage regionally, and how they measure success beyond traditional metrics.
Collaboration Is a Force Multiplier
From federal advocacy to regional partnerships, collaboration emerged as a defining factor for success.
Participants emphasized the importance of:
- Speaking with a coordinated voice across institutions and organizations
- Building coalitions around shared priorities, rather than competing
- Leveraging partners who may be more effective advocates in certain contexts
This extends beyond formal partnerships. Even informal connections, especially those made during the convening, were seen as critical to advancing shared work and identifying new opportunities.
Looking Ahead
The UEDA Washington Convening reinforced that university economic development is entering a new phase: one that requires greater coordination, stronger communication, and a more intentional connection to national and regional priorities.
For practitioners, the path forward is clear:
- Strengthen institutional alignment around economic impact
- Invest in storytelling and advocacy capacity
- Build and sustain partnerships that extend beyond campus boundaries
UEDA will continue these conversations through upcoming webinars and at the UEDA Summit this December, providing opportunities to deepen engagement and share strategies across the network.