New landmark white paper outlines key best practices to help academic institutions foster sustainable, high-impact collaborations with industry partners
LAGRANGE, GA / ACCESS Newswire / September 10, 2025 / Successful corporate relations programs in higher education require a strategic, institution-wide approach that fosters long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with industry, according to a newly released white paper report by the Network of Academic Corporate Relations Officers (NACRO).
The report, CORPORATE RELATIONS REIMAGINED: How Academic Institutions Can Build Sustainable Industry Partnerships, outlines the essential elements critical for effective academic-corporate engagement, emphasizing the need for institutional support, campus coordination, integrated research development and career services collaboration.
By refining these practices, the report asserts that universities can enhance corporate investment, drive research innovation and create meaningful career opportunities for students, ensuring a sustainable and productive relationship between academia and industry.
NACRO, the premier organization unifying academic corporate relations professionals, has released this new white paper as an updated version of its foundational white paper, The Essential Elements of a Successful Corporate Relations Program, published in 2011. As the landscape of corporate engagement continues to evolve, this new white paper reflects the latest best practices in fostering mutually beneficial relationships between academia and industry.
“Reimagining academic corporate relations requires more than incremental change – it demands a bold, integrated approach that reflects the complexity and potential of today’s academic-industry landscape,” said Anne Borchert, Principal & Chief Reinvention Officer, AB3 Partners and and former Associate Vice President, Corporate Relations & Strategic Projects with Case Western Reserve University. “This updated framework for an effective, holistic corporate relations program offers institutions a practical yet aspirational guide to building partnerships that are sustainable and transformative for research, talent development and regional impact.”
In its new white paper, NACRO expands its original framework of five essential elements to include additional critical components necessary for successful corporate relations in higher education. The updated essential elements are:
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Institutional Support*
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Campus Coordination*
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Integrated Research Development*
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Holistic Corporate Investment*
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Mutual Benefits*
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Partnership with Career Services
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Evaluating Corporate Relations Offices
(*Denotes elements from the original framework.)
Corporate partnerships have undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, shifting from traditional philanthropic relationships to strategic, multi-faceted collaborations. NACRO’s new white paper provides insights into how universities can better align with industry priorities, including workforce development, research innovation and long-term investment in academic programs.
The white paper also addresses some of the key challenges institutions face in managing corporate relations, including:
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Internal silos that hinder collaboration
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Lack of clear institutional strategies for corporate engagement
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The need for better data integration and communication across campus
By implementing a comprehensive corporate relations strategy, the report asserts universities can increase funding opportunities and enhance student career prospects, drive research innovation and strengthen their regional economic impact.
“In today’s fast-changing educational environment, higher education institutions must take a meaningfully proactive approach to corporate relations,” said JoonHyung Cho, NACRO Co-President and Assistant Vice President for Research and Innovation with the University of Minnesota. “Our NACRO white paper provides an updated roadmap for universities to build and sustain successful partnerships that benefit both academia, industry and local communities and regions.”
“Strategic corporate partnerships are no longer optional – they are essential for universities seeking to drive innovation, enhance student success and create lasting economic impact,” says Joseph Huang, NACRO Co-President and Executive Director of Strategic Research Initiatives, Computer Science with Stanford University. “Through thought leadership and best practices shared by NACRO, institutions can foster holistic, mutually beneficial collaborations with industry, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for research, investment and workforce development.”
NACRO’s updated white paper serves as a valuable resource for university leadership and administrators, corporate relations officers and industry leaders looking to enhance their engagement strategies.
The full report is available for download here.
About NACRO:
NACRO (the Network of Academic Corporate Relations Officers) is the premier organization unifying academic corporate relations professionals. We transform the profession through innovative professional education programs, the dissemination of cutting-edge best practices, impactful networking opportunities, and championing thought leadership in corporate relations. Through its vibrant global community of over 550 professionals from more than 300 institutions, NACRO works to create exceptional career development opportunities for its members. Learn more: www.nacrocon.org
Media Contact:
Ken Berlack
NACRO
ken.berlack.nacro@gmail.com
SOURCE: Network of Academic Corporate Relations Officers
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