The question raised in this paper is: what are the strategies and expectations on affiliated faculty from HEI management? The paper presents a comparative study between two Swedish HEIs both operating in the field of technology. 23 interviews, of which 11 with HEI management and 12 with affiliated professors, have been undertaken. Results show that the faculty is growing organically and less strategic than expected considering it being a high profile issue at both HEIs. Tensions are found, concerning for example mobility and the relation between affiliated and regular faculty. As well as on whether it is the company or the individual that is in focus. Results reveal that high but divergent expectations from different levels of management are placed on the affiliated faculty. The study has also shown how affiliated faculty can be used as a strategic tool in different phases of the development of a HEI.