Managing the Funding Gap: How Today’s Economic Downturn Is Impacting IT Leaders and Their Organizations

The sharp decline in the global economy is driving institutions to significantly reduce expenditures and curtail investments. Institutions are cutting budgets deeply and across the board as they adjust to new fiscal realities. The changes taking place create both challenges and opportunities for IT organizations. In December 2008, IT leaders gathered at the annual symposium of the EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research to share how their institutions and organizations were responding to the economic crisis. This white paper captures the key themes from the leaders' discussion of immediate cost-cutting strategies, longer-term restructuring opportunities, and the unique challenges they face leading in difficult times.