The Business Council of New York State’s loss is the State University of New York’s gain.

SUNY’s research arm, the Nelson Rockefeller Institute of Government, has brought aboard Robert Ward, the long-time research director of the Business Council’s Public Policy Institute.

A highly regarded fiscal analyst, Ward produced influential studies, reports – and occasional columns for The Post – that helped spark demands for reform and change in Albany.

He painted a vivid picture of the dangers facing the state due to increased spending, higher taxes and a regulatory environment that has stifled business and job growth.

The council’s charts on the impact of runaway Medicaid spending became must-reads for policy wonks.

In bringing Ward on board as deputy director, the Rockefeller Institute is getting a smart, business-savvy individual whose expertise on the workings of New York state government is without equal.

We wish Ward and the Rockefeller Institute well in their future projects.