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
The State of the Field is a first-of-its-kind initiative capturing economic development’s evolving priorities, opportunities, and challenges through thousands of data points from 691 respondents in 2025 and 1,202 in 2026, including members and nonmembers worldwide. Driven by the EDRP, IEDC Research Roundtable, and research mentees, the initiative spans ideation, benchmarking, survey design, analysis, and dissemination. Its interactive dashboard enables comparisons by global scope, country, U.S. region and state, community size and type, organizational budget, membership status, and individual characteristics — including age, gender, cultural identity, and years of experience — turning research into accessible, actionable insights 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
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Housing as an Economic Development Strategy
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Artificial Intelligence Impact on Labor Markets
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The Evolving Role of Economic Developers
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Strategic Planning for Economic Development
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Leading and Managing Next-Level EDOs: Leveraging Technology
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‘Live, Work, and Play’: Attracting and Retaining Tomorrow’s Talent
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Growing Your Workforce: Strategies to Raise Local Labor Force Participation
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Effective Economic Development Roles in Workforce Partnerships
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The Lay of the Land: Pandemic Impacts on Real Estate and Economic Developers’ Responses – a 3-part series
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Getting Connected: How Economic Developers Are Expanding Broadband Access
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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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