Introducing the Etio + SUMS HE Performance Lab: A New Era for Universities’ Financial Efficiency and Improvement

In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, institutions face an array of challenges that require innovative and efficient solutions. In response to pressing demands and financial strain, two industry leaders, Etio and SUMS Consulting International, have joined forces to introduce a brand new initiative: the Etio + SUMS HE Performance Lab. This collaboration aims to improve the way universities approach operational improvements and financial efficiency.

Proven leaders in Higher Education solutions

SUMS Consulting International has been working in the higher education sector for over 60 years. As a not-for-profit membership organisation, SUMS is uniquely positioned to foster a sense of community among its members. This enables collaboration on benchmarking and best practices, which are vital for making universities smarter and more efficient. SUMS offers world-class consultancy services, covering areas such as organisation design, service excellence, environmental sustainability, and space management. With a consulting team of around 100 experts, SUMS brings a wealth of experience in transformational change and commercial expertise, having supported institutions globally, from the UK and EU to Australia, the United States, and the Middle East.

Etio has been a leader in financial benchmarking for over 30 years. Renowned for its work in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, Etio collaborates with the Tertiary Education Commission to deliver benchmarking services to these tertiary institutions. In recent years, Etio has expanded its offerings to include student surveys, such as the Student Barometer and International Student Barometer – the world’s largest survey of enrolled students - providing a comprehensive suite of data that combines cost analysis with student feedback. This unique combination of data is instrumental in driving meaningful change.

Creating a powerful, trusted partnership

The partnership between Etio and SUMS was born out of a shared vision to address common challenges faced by higher education institutions worldwide. The collaboration seeks to leverage Etio's expertise in data provision and SUMS' proficiency in implementing transformative solutions. By combining their strengths, both organisations have aimed to create a comprehensive approach that covers both the identification of opportunities and the execution of targeted improvements.

The Etio + SUMS HE Performance Lab is designed to provide universities with actionable insights that are both nuanced and tailored. This initiative is particularly timely, as universities globally grapple with complex issues such as funding models, student number caps, and visa legislation changes. Our solution offers a platform for universities to simulate the impact of potential scenarios on financial metrics, enabling more informed decision-making.

Built to address global challenges

The higher education sector is facing a confluence of challenges that have created a "perfect storm" in various regions. From Australia to Canada, universities are dealing with a combination of international student number caps, changes in visa processing legislation, and pre-existing financial challenges. In Australia alone, such measures are projected to cost universities around $500 million. The HE Performance Lab is poised to address these issues head-on, providing institutions with the tools they need to navigate this complex environment.

Simulating Success

One of the most exciting aspects of the HE Performance Lab is its ability to offer real-time, evidence-based options for operational change. Universities can tailor and test these options before implementation, ensuring that any changes made are both effective and efficient. This approach not only saves time and resources but also maximises the potential for meaningful impact.

Looking Ahead

By removing barriers and providing solutions that universities have been seeking, the Etio+SUMS HE Performance Lab represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of excellence in higher education. It is set to become a game-changer for universities worldwide, and by combining the strengths of Etio and SUMS, this initiative offers a holistic approach to addressing the challenges faced by higher education institutions. With its focus on actionable insights and real-time simulations, the lab provides a pathway to greater efficiency and improved performance. Universities can look forward to a future where they are better equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.

For more information and to discuss your university's potential participation in the 2025 Australian Universities Benchmarking & Insight Cohort, check out the HE Performance Lab summary page.