University System of Maryland (USM) Market Research Report

Background

The University System of Maryland (USM) is the state's public higher education system, comprising 12 degree-granting universities, three regional higher education centers, and an environmental research center. USM's mission is to enhance the quality of life for Maryland residents by providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality educational opportunities; engaging in research and scholarship that expand knowledge boundaries; and delivering knowledge-based programs and services responsive to the needs of the state and nation.

Key Strategic Focus

USM's strategic objectives include:

Educational Excellence: Offering a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to meet diverse student needs.

Research and Innovation: Conducting groundbreaking research across various disciplines, attracting significant external funding.

Economic and Workforce Development: Addressing critical workforce shortages, particularly in STEM fields, and fostering economic growth through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Operational Efficiency: Implementing initiatives to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, resulting in substantial cost savings.

Financials and Funding

USM's financial structure is robust, with an operating budget of $7 billion for FY 2023. The system attracts over $1.5 billion annually in external grants and contracts, supporting its research endeavors.

Pipeline Development

USM institutions are involved in various research and development projects, including:

Patent Production: In 2022, USM ranked 14th among U.S. public institutions and 32nd worldwide for patents awarded, with 89 patents granted to five USM institutions.

Technological Platform and Innovation

USM fosters a culture of innovation through:

Research Parks: Supporting 250 tenants and 9,800 jobs across three research parks.

Company Creation: Facilitating the launch of over 600 new companies.

Research Funding: Attracting $1.43 billion in academic research and development funding, ranking 8th in federal R&D funding nationally.

Leadership Team

Key executives include:

Leonard Raley: President and Chief Executive Officer of the University System of Maryland Foundation.

Tom Gilbert: Chief Financial Officer of the Foundation.

Pam Purcell: Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer.

Leadership Changes

Recent leadership changes include:

NEXUS Project: In 2023, USM published findings from the Nurturing Excellence for Undergraduate Success (NEXUS) research project, leading to a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to implement key findings.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

USM operates in a competitive higher education landscape, with key competitors including:

University of California System: A leading public university system known for its research output and academic excellence.

State University of New York (SUNY) System: Offers a wide range of programs and has a significant research presence.

Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education: Comprises multiple institutions with diverse academic offerings.

Competitor Analysis

University of California System: Known for its high research funding and numerous patents.

SUNY System: Offers extensive programs and has a strong focus on research and development.

Pennsylvania State System: Focuses on providing affordable education with a growing emphasis on research.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

USM engages in significant collaborations to enhance its mission:

NEXUS Project: Partnered with the Abell Foundation to support research aimed at increasing retention and graduation rates for Baltimore City Public School students.

Operational Insights

USM's strategic considerations include:

Resource Efficiency: Since 2004, USM's Effectiveness and Efficiency Initiative has saved over $675 million.

Sustainability Efforts: Leading the state in sustainability with 77 facilities constructed or planned as LEED-certified "Silver" or higher.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

USM's strategic roadmap focuses on:

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Increasing the number of bachelor's degrees awarded to underrepresented minority students and expanding degrees in STEM and health fields.