The growing economic importance of higher ed, employer collaboration
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The Partnership
June 11, 2026
The Buffalo Niagara Partnership recently welcomed leaders from colleges, universities and partner organizations across the region for the inaugural Higher Education Industry Leaders Forum, the newest addition to the BNP's ILF series.
This forum was created in recognition of the increasingly important role higher education plays in strengthening Buffalo Niagara's economy. While higher education leaders have participated in the BNP's Healthcare & Human Services ILF in previous years, the evolving conversations around workforce development, talent retention, research, innovation and regional competitiveness highlighted the need for a dedicated forum focused specifically on the higher education sector.
Hosted at BNP @ the cobblestone, the session brought together presidents, senior administrators and higher education professionals from institutions across Western New York for a collaborative discussion centered on the future of education, workforce development and economic growth.
Higher education's role in regional competitiveness
The conversation focused on the critical role colleges and universities play as educators, employers, research institutions and economic drivers. Participants explored how higher education can continue to strengthen partnerships with employers, community organizations and public-sector leaders while preparing students for careers that meet the evolving needs of the regional economy.
The keynote conversation was led by Father James J. Maher, C.M., President of Niagara University, who shared perspectives on the importance of collaboration between higher education, business and community partners in developing the region's future workforce.
The Buffalo Niagara Partnership extends its sincere appreciation to Niagara University and the University at Buffalo for serving as strategic partners in launching this important new forum.
Collaborative discussions
Following the opening conversation, participants engaged in facilitated discussions focused on three key themes:
- Expanding collaboration between higher education institutions, businesses and community organizations
- Retaining students and young professionals within the Buffalo Niagara region
- Building stronger workforce pipelines connecting employers with colleges and universities
The format encouraged open dialogue and peer-to-peer learning, allowing attendees to exchange ideas, identify common challenges and discuss opportunities for future collaboration across institutions and sectors.
All-ILF gatherings
The Higher Education Industry Leaders Forum is one of nine Industry Leaders Forums convened annually by the BNP, connecting executives from key sectors to discuss industry trends, public policy, workforce challenges and opportunities for regional growth.
Forum members will continue these conversations throughout the year and will come together again at two cross-sector gatherings:
- Industry Leaders Forum Summer Happy Hour on July 23
- Fourth Annual Economic Development Summit on Oct. 14, where leaders from all nine forums will collaborate on strategies to strengthen Buffalo Niagara's economy in 2027 and beyond.
Thank you sponsors
The Buffalo Niagara Partnership extends its sincere thanks to its 2026 Industry Leaders Forum sponsors, whose support makes these conversations possible.
Title sponsor
Bank of America and Merrill Lynch
Presenting sponsors
Harris Beach Murtha
National Grid
Supporting sponsors
Catapult Executive Consulting
EnergyMark
LaBella Associates
Verizon
Next Industry Leaders Forum
Sector: Energy & Telecommunications (click here to learn more)
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 16
Time: 8 a.m.
Location: BNP @ the cobblestone
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