The State's economic crisis has forced every state agency to cut back- education has been no exception. But officials at the SUNY system believe they don't have to be a victim of the economy. In fact they are planning on becoming a solution to the State's economic problems. YNN's Jennifer Bernstein explains.

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"The State University of New York, could and should be the economic engine for New York's revitalization and its enhanced quality of life," said SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher.

SUNY introduced its new strategic plan, "The Power of SUNY," in Buffalo Tuesday. It would push schools to be more engaged in their communities.

"Consider the potential that can be realized by a coalition of a powerful, public higher education system, working in tandem with its public and private partners throughout the state, as envisioned in the SUNY strategic plan," said UB President John Simpson.

SUNY hopes to strengthen and foster relationships with local businesses in fields like healthcare, education, and energy. It wants entrepreneurship on campus, and wants faculties filled with local talent.

The new strategy counts on the Higher Education Empowerment and Innovation Act, which is tied to New York's next budget. It would allow universities more financial flexibility.

"Our ability to truly move fast and take this to scale across the state depends on our ability to generate revenues to feed the plan. So we can get started, we just can't go fast and broad without the state," said SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher.

The Senate Majority has been supportive of parts of the measure, but the Assembly has not yet made its position clear.