RESOURCES & RESEARCH
EDRP Reports
The Economic Development Research Partners Program is an exclusive membership level of IEDC, which supports practice-oriented research. The publications developed under EDRP's guidance and sponsorship are designed to increase the knowledge base of the economic development profession and help practitioners navigate through today's rapidly changing economy. Through the EDRP program, IEDC excels at its mission everyday: to assist practitioners in successfully competing in the global economy, increasing prosperity for communities at an accelerated pace, and empowering economic development professionals to better define their vision and value.
The Evolving Role of Economic Developers
The Evolving Role of Economic Developers
Economic developers are now tasked with a wide array of responsibilities beyond their traditional roles. These new areas of focus include innovation, infrastructure development, housing affordability, childcare, grant writing, community peacemaking, solar energy, broadband deployment, and AI integration. This expansion of responsibilities represents a fundamental shift in the nature of the profession.
Strategic Planning for Economic Development
Strategic Planning for Economic Development
The report highlights how the economic development field has undergone significant transformation due to technological advancements and the rise of the knowledge economy. EDOs must now adopt more agile, collaborative, and strategic approaches to meet these new demands and effectively support their communities.
Leading and Managing Next-Level EDOs: Leveraging Technology
Leading and Managing Next-Level EDOs: Leveraging Technology
Given the rapid proliferation of AI, the report outlines critical elements of organizational AI readiness, including strategic alignment with data practices, resource allocation, and ethical use. The 'Leading and Managing Next-Level EDOs: Leveraging Technology' report examines the impacts of AI and AR on site selection, industry analysis, investment attraction, placemaking and tourism, workforce development and education, proposal writing, and smart infrastructure.
Growing Your Workforce: Strategies to Raise Local Labor Force Participation
Growing Your Workforce: Strategies to Raise Local Labor Force Participation
To help businesses with the ongoing labor shortage, many economic development organizations are pursuing strategies to expand the pool of workers. This report shows how EDOs are engaging in new programs, policies to strengthen its workforce
Effective Economic Development Roles in Workforce Partnerships
Effective Economic Development Roles in Workforce Partnerships
How are economic developers addressing the persistent shortage of workers and specific skills? This report examines partnerships that five economic development organizations (EDOs) have developed to help meet businesses’ talent pipeline and training needs. While the case studies share many similar drivers, they also feature unique responses that are aligned with each community’s needs and the EDO’s mission and strengths. Using observations from the cases, the paper identifies roles and recommendations for EDOs that seek to boost talent development in their communities.