Expert article

Higher Education Procurement in the Hot Seat: Turning Supply Chain Headaches into Strategic Wins

Nearly two-thirds of all higher-education institutions are now showing at least one common sign of financial stress. Many of them admit to operating on slim or even negative margins due to budget deficits and rising costs.1

We’re fairly sure that recent federal funding polices have also played a role, but we’re here to address the problem not the politics. The reality is that only 43% of these institutions expect their financial situation to improve over the next year. That’s down 13 points from 56% just last year.2

These are trying times for higher education, truly.

And no one knows this better than you, the higher-ed institution procurement professional. With every new semester, your seat gets hotter with tighter budgets, rising demand for sustainability and unpredictable supply needs.

Only 43% of universities expect their finances to improve over the next year. That's down from 56% last year.

While these financial challenges have many roots, recent industry analysis highlights that strategic improvements to supply chain management is one of the most immediate levers for stability and savings.3

The key lies in working with supply-chain partners who truly understand the unique pressures facing your operations. Spoiler alert: Staples Business does.

Let’s explore how a smarter, more resilient supply chain partnership can help your higher-education procurement department move from firefighting to forward-thinking. If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I transform daily procurement obstacles into campus-wide advantages?” — this is for you.

The six common signs of higher education financial stress. 1, Operating deficits. 2, Enrollment declines. 3, Reduced funding/endowment. 4, Staff or program cuts. 5, Aggressive tuition discounting. 6, Deferred maintenance.