Economic Development Research Partners
IEDC is your source for comprehensive, up-to-date information on the practice of economic development. Our Economic Development Research Partners (EDRP) program generates original, cutting-edge research designed specifically to serve practicing economic developers and to advance the economic development profession as a whole.
Part think tank, part network, EDRP is an exclusive membership level of IEDC. Membership in EDRP gives economic development leaders the chance to shape the research agenda for IEDC - the world’s premier association in the field - and explore impactful topics in partnership with their peers.
The publications developed under the guidance and sponsorship of EDRP members increase the knowledge base of the economic development profession and help practitioners successfully navigate today's rapidly changing economy.
To connect with an IEDC team member about EDRP, email [email protected].
State of the Field Dashboard
This is a one-of-its-kind survey on the state of our field, with 691 respondents from the U.S. and abroad—members and nonmembers alike—contributing thousands of data points on today's priorities, opportunities, and challenges. The project has been driven by the critical engagement of EDRP, the IEDC Research Roundtable, and our research mentees, from ideation and benchmarking to survey design, tool creation, analysis, and now presentation of the results. These insights have been distilled into a dynamic, interactive dashboard that allows users to explore findings by global scope, U.S. region, community size, budget, membership status, and years of experience—making the results not only accessible but also truly actionable for the profession.
EDRP Reports
Economic Development Research Partners (EDRP) is committed to providing outstanding research products supporting the practice and advancement of the economic development profession.
Data:
2025 State of the Field: General Report
Housing:
Housing as an Economic Development Strategy
AI:
Artificial Intelligence Impact on Labor Markets
Archive:
The Evolving Role of Economic Developers
Archive:
Strategic Planning for Economic Development
Archive:
Leading and Managing Next-Level EDOs: Leveraging Technology
Archive:
‘Live, Work, and Play’: Attracting and Retaining Tomorrow’s Talent
Archive:
Growing Your Workforce: Strategies to Raise Local Labor Force Participation
Archive:
Effective Economic Development Roles in Workforce Partnerships
Archive:
The Lay of the Land: Pandemic Impacts on Real Estate and Economic Developers’ Responses – a 3-part series
Archive:
Getting Connected: How Economic Developers Are Expanding Broadband Access
Archive:
Great for Business, Great for Workers: Strategies that Boost Worker Prosperity and Meet Business Needs
EDRP Membership
Part network, part think tank, the EDRP program is a unique opportunity for high-level professional development. EDRP members learn from each other while supporting the research process.
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